Evolution of definitions of response, progression-free survival and event-free survival in front-line studies of chronic myeloid leukemia

Abstract

Standardized definitions of response and outcome are useful to evaluate study data, facilitate treatment guideline adherence and aid clinical decision-making. Although definitions of response in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) have been standardized, definitions of disease progression have not been standardized, despite widespread adoption of the term to reflect development of advanced disease. This article reviews definitions of response and disease progression used for progression-free survival and event-free survival in key CML studies and implications for interpreting patient response. It is proposed that adherence to definitions of progression from the European LeukmiaNet may aid future research and therapeutic decision-making.

Keywords::

• Chronic myeloid leukemia
• chronic myelogenous leukemia
• progression-free survival
• event-free survival
• disease progression
• BCR–ABL inhibitor

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to acknowledge Allen Chen, MD, at Bristol-Myers Squibb, for providing medical expertise and product knowledge related to the content of this manuscript.

The authors take full responsibility for the content of this publication and confirm that it reflects their viewpoint and medical expertise. They also wish to acknowledge StemScientific, funded by Bristol-Myers Squibb, for providing technical writing and editorial assistance. Bristol-Myers Squibb did not influence the content of the manuscript, nor did the authors receive financial compensation for authoring the manuscript.

Potential conflict of interest

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