With imatinib still being linked to the breakthrough in CML therapy and probably being the most prescribed drug, second-generation TKIs are increasingly gaining importance. Showing higher response rates while not leading to more adverse events, nilotinib has become an attractive option in the first-line treatment of chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukemia. By reaching deep and long-lasting molecular remissions, discontinuation of TKIs is becoming one of the central topics of future CML therapy. Stopping nilotinib seems safe and provides a stable remission in about half of the eligible patients, though long-term data are still missing.
Keywords: CML; Nilotinib; TKI.