Stopping Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia and Its Effects on the Immune System

Discontinuation of TyrosIne Kinase Inhibitors (ITK) in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (LMC) and Impact on the Immune System: a Randomized Comparative Study of Two Therapeutic Strategies

Phase 3 Interventional Poitiers University Hospital · NCT05753384

This study is testing whether stopping tyrosine kinase inhibitors suddenly or gradually can help people with chronic myeloid leukemia feel better and improve their immune system.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment140 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorPoitiers University Hospital Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsImatinib, Dasatinib, Nilotinib, Bosutinib, chemotherapy
Locations20 sites (Angers and 19 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05753384 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the possibility of discontinuing tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) to improve their quality of life and reduce treatment-related adverse effects. The study aims to compare the outcomes of treatment-free remission (TFR) between patients who suddenly stop TKI treatment and those who gradually reduce their dosage before stopping. By evaluating the immune system's response and the duration of deep molecular response, the trial seeks to establish a safe and effective strategy for TKI discontinuation. The ultimate goal is to demonstrate that a de-escalation approach can optimize TFR results and enhance patient well-being.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older with chronic phase CML who have maintained a deep molecular response for at least one year.

Not a fit: Patients with progressive severe pathology or those who have not met the specific treatment duration and response criteria may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could allow CML patients to safely discontinue TKI treatment, reducing side effects and improving their quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored treatment-free remission in CML, but this specific approach of de-escalation before discontinuation is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patient ≥ 18 year-old.
* Diagnosis of chronic phase CML according to WHO 2016 criteria with a typical BCR::ABL1 rearrangement (e13a2 or e14a2)
* Duration of treatment by Imatinib ≥ 4 years / ITK2G ≥ 3 years /Imatinib and ITK2G ≥ 4 years and no change of TKI or decrease in dosage in the last 6 months prior to inclusion
* Deep Molecular Response (DMR) duration ≥ 1 year
* Absence of contraindication to the continuation of the same TKI for 12 months at the same dosage according to international recommendations nd the PCR of each TKI:

Imatinib (≥ 300 mg/j) Dasatinib (≥ 50 mg/j) Nilotinib (≥ 300 mg/j) Bosutinib (≥ 200 mg/j)

* Patient not participating in another interventional study for the duration of the interventional study
* Sexually active men should use effective contraception when taking Dasatinib
* Having an health insurance
* Having signed the consent form

Non-Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients with progressive severe pathology of poor prognosis immediately compromising participation in the entire study and/or with uncontrolled chronic pathology
* ECOG ≥ 3
* Prior resistance to TKI
* Patients who have already experienced an attempt of TKI cessation
* Patients with a malignant tumour that has been treated with chemotherapy within 2 months of inclusion or undergoing chemotherapy or that will be treated with post-inclusion chemotherapy
* Protected person
* Pregnant women or women of childbearing age without appropriate contraceptive measures

Where this trial is running

Angers and 19 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Tyrosine Kinase InhibitorsChronic Myeloid LeukemiaCharacteristics of innate T cells
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.