Introduction
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), a myeloproliferative neoplasm, is characterized by
an abnormal increase in circulating granulocytes as well as bone marrow myeloid precursors.[1]
[2] It is associated with Philadelphia chromosome (Ph + ), a reciprocal translocation
between a chromosome 9 gene–Abelson murine leukemia (ABL) and a chromosome 22 gene–breakpoint
cluster region (BCR) (t[9;22][q34;q11]), forming the BCR–ABL fusion gene.[1]
[2] The disease presents itself in three stages—chronic phase (CP)-CML, accelerated
phase (AP)-CML, and blast phase (BP)-CML. Majority of the patients are diagnosed during
the CP-CML phase; however, untreated patients advance to the aggressive forms, AP-CML
or BP-CML.[2]
[3]
[4] According to the American Cancer Society, CML constitutes 15% of the total leukemia
cases.[3]
[5] According to a 2009 review, in India, the annual frequency of CML was estimated
to be 0.8 to 2.2 per 100,000 population,[6] while a 2011 regional registry study results presented an age-adjusted rate (per
100,000) of 0.53 in females and 0.71 in males.[7] According to the 2018 Globocan survey, the incidence of leukemia in India was estimated
to be 42,055 cases and the 5-year prevalence across all ages was 105,592 cases.[8]
The management of CML has been revolutionized by the use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors
(TKIs) leading to the reduction in all-cause mortality rate and better long-term outcomes
for patients with CML.[9] The TKIs approved for the management of CP-CML have varied safety profiles. The
first-generation TKI-imatinib, second-generation TKIs-nilotinib, bosutinib, and dasatinib,
and third-generation TKI ponatinib are the approved TKIs in India.[10]
[11] Bosutinib and ponatinib are the newest additions to the treatment armamentarium
of CML.[12]
[13] The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines recommend determining
the risk status of patients with CP-CML using any relevant scoring system before initiating
TKI therapy ([Table 1]).[2] The choice of first-line therapy (bosutinib, imatinib, dasatinib, or nilotinib)
for CP-CML is tailored according to the patient's risk profile and existing comorbidities.
The ultimate treatment goal of TKI therapy is to achieve major molecular response
(MMR) and possibly deep molecular response (DMR). The MMR is equivalent to a 3-log
reduction (≤0.1% BCR–ABL1 international scale [IS]) from the 100% baseline for untreated
patients that includes molecular response [MR] 3, defined as ≥ a 3-log reduction in
BCR–ABL1 transcripts from baseline.[14] While DMR is defined as BCR–ABL1 <0.01% IS[2] that includes MR 4/MR 4.5 defined as ≥ 4 or 4.5log reduction in BCR–ABL1 transcripts
from baseline. Recent European LeukemiaNet recommendations 2020 highlight treatment-free
remission (TFR) as a vital goal in CML. TFR can be achieved in CP-CML patients with
a suitable response to first-line TKI with a duration of >5 years) and a DMR duration
of over 2 years.[3]
Table 1
Scoring systems and risk definitions
Scoring systems
|
Calculation
|
Low risk
|
Intermediate risk
|
High risk
|
SOKAL
score
|
Exp 0.0116 × (age −43.4) + 0.0345 × (spleen size − 7.51) + 0.188 × [(platelet count/700)2 − 0.563] + 0.0887 × (blood blasts − 2.10)
|
<0.8
|
0.8–1.2
|
>1.2
|
ELTS score
|
0.0025 × (age/10)3 +0.0615 × spleen size + 0.1052 × peripheral blood blasts + 0.4104 × (platelet count/1000)0.5
|
<1.5680
|
1.5680–2.2185
|
>2.2185
|
EUTOS score
|
4 × Spleen size + 7 × basophil count
|
≤87
|
NA
|
>87
|
Abbreviations: ELTS, European treatment and outcome study for CML long-term survival;
EUTOS, European treatment and outcome study; Exp, exponential function.
Methods
A virtual expert panel meeting was convened involving 14 hematooncologists and medical
oncologists from across India. All experts possess extensive hematooncology expertise
in treating CML patients with approved TKIs. The expert opinion was derived from a
moderator-initiated discussion with the panel of experts on bosutinib use in the treatment
of CML. The experts discussed diverse topics on bosutinib such as treatment management,
risk management, switch from other TKIs in first-line and second-line therapy, use
in elderly and vulnerable population, use in patients with comorbidities, and TFR.
The opinions gathered from the expert discussions are presented in this publication.
Treatment Decisions for Newly Diagnosed Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
The first-line TKI's approved for patients with CP-CML across all risk categories
is Imatinib (400 mg daily), while the second-generation TKIs include dasatinib, 100 mg
QD; nilotinib, 300 mg twice daily; and bosutinib, 400 mg daily.[17]
[18]
[19]
The experts discussed treatment initiation with second-generation TKIs, in patients
with very recently diagnosed CP-CML in any of the risk groups (low risk, intermediate
risk, or high-risk), AP-CML and BP-CML, and the choice of bosutinib in freshly diagnosed
CP-CML patients.
With the accessibility to more potent TKIs, second-generation TKIs are preferably
chosen for intermediate and high-risk CP-CML patients. The majority of the experts
agreed that bosutinib could be the preferred TKI for intermediate and high-risk CP-CML.
In BFORE trial, the MMR rate was higher with bosutinib than imatinib at 12 months
(47.2 vs. 36.9%, respectively; p = 0.02), as was the cytogenetic response (CCyR rate) at 12 months (77.2 vs. 66.4%,
respectively; p = 0.0075). Cumulative incidence was favorable with bosutinib (MMR: hazard ratio [HR],
1.34; p = 0.0173; CCyR: HR, 1.38; p = 0.001), with faster response times. Fewer patients experienced disease progression
to BP-CML or AP-CML with bosutinib compared with imatinib (1.6 and 2.5%, respectively;
[Table 2]).[19] Also, for patients with cardiovascular comorbidities (such as arrythmias, high blood
cholesterol, coronary artery disease, and thrombosis), vascular abnormalities (such
as pulmonary hypertension), and diabetes mellitus, bosutinib could be the preferred
choice of TKI owing to its safety profile.[20]
[21] The panel of experts opined that for recently diagnosed CP-CML patients with existing
renal toxicities (<30 mL/min/1.73 m2), preexisting gastrointestinal disorders such as chronic gastritis, gastric ulcer,
and inflammatory bowel disorders and with a history of pancreatitis, bosutinib may
not be the preferred choice. Bosutinib has shown comparable efficacy with other second-generation
TKIs,[22]
[23] and a better toxicity profile than dasatinib as exhibited in a recent study by Fachi
et al.[24]
Table 2
Comparison of treatment outcomes with first-line and second-line TKI therapy
Trial/Source
|
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors
|
Median follow-up (years)
|
Number (n)
|
Disease progression
|
Treatment outcomes
|
|
|
|
|
|
CCyR
|
MMR
|
PFS
|
OS
|
IRIS[50]
|
Imatinib 400 mg QD
|
11
|
553
|
7%
|
83%
|
–
|
92%
|
83%
|
DASISION[18]
|
Dasatinib 100 mg QD
|
5
|
259
|
5%
|
–
|
76%
|
85%
|
91%
|
Imatinib 400 mg QD
|
260
|
7%
|
–
|
64%
|
86%
|
90%
|
ENESTnd[17]
|
Nilotinib 300 mg bid
|
5
|
282
|
4%
|
–
|
77%
|
92%
|
94%
|
Nilotinib 400 mg bid
|
281
|
2%
|
–
|
77%
|
96%
|
96%
|
Imatinib 400 mg QD
|
283
|
7%
|
–
|
60%
|
91%
|
92%
|
BFORE trial[19]
|
Bosutinib 400 mg QD
|
1
|
268
|
2%
|
77%
|
47%
|
–
|
–
|
Imatinib 400 mg QD
|
268
|
3%
|
66%
|
37%
|
–
|
–
|
Shah et al[51]
|
Dasatinib 100 mg QD
|
7
|
Imatinib-R (n = 124)
|
–
|
–
|
43%
|
39%
|
63%
|
Imatinib-I (n = 43)
|
–
|
–
|
55%
|
51%
|
70%
|
Giles et al[52]
|
Nilotinib 400 mg QD
|
4
|
Imatinib-R, n = 226; Imatinib-I, n = 95
|
–
|
45%
|
–
|
57%
|
78%
|
Cortes et al[53]
|
Bosutinib 400 mg QD
|
4
|
Imatinib and dasatinib-R (n = 38)
|
–
|
22%
|
–
|
–
|
67%
|
Imatinib and dasatinib-I (n = 50)
|
–
|
40%
|
–
|
–
|
80%
|
Imatinib and nilotinib-R (n = 26)
|
–
|
31%
|
–
|
–
|
87%
|
Abbreviations: CCyR, complete cytogenetic response; CP-CML, chronic phase chronic
myeloid leukemia; I, intolerant; MMR, major molecular response; OS, overall survival;
PFS, progression-free survival; QD, once daily; R, resistance; TKI, tyrosine kinase
inhibitor
Switching to Bosutinib from Another Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors
Treatment failure can occur due to point mutations in BCR–ABL1 kinase domain in CP-CML
patients. The mutations E255K/V, F359V/I/C, and Y253F/H are sensitive to dasatinib/bosutinib,
whereas the mutation F317L/V/I/C is sensitive to nilotinib/bosutinib; however, the
T315I mutation is insensitive to all first and second-generation TKIs except ponatinib.[2]
[25]
[26]
[27]
[28] As per the NCCN guidelines, BCR–ABL kinase domain mutation analysis, drug interactions,
and treatment compliance are recommended before initiating second-line TKI therapy.[2]
The experts concurred that switching of TKIs primarily occurs due to the development
of drug-resistance, drug-intolerance, or suboptimal response. In a retrospective noninterventional
study conducted in the hospitals of United Kingdom and the Netherlands, 57% patients
switched to bosutinib due to intolerance and 26% switched to bosutinib due to resistance
to previous TKIs.[29] In a multicenter study in CML patients, the complete MR and MMR rates were 3.8 versus
27% for patients with imatinib and 41.5% versus 69% for patients switching to second-generation
TKI, respectively, demonstrating increased chances of achieving DMR in switching to
a second-generation TKI in CML patients demonstrating late suboptimal response with
imatinib.[30] Development of nonhematological toxicities can also lead the physician to switch
TKI. In a retrospective database study on CP-CML patients to assess toxicities with
nilotinib and dasatinib, 29% patients experience treatment discontinuation owing to
AEs (23%), disease progression (1%), or suboptimal response (2%).[31] AEs of grade 3 or 4 were observed in 54% on dasatinib and 22% of patients on nilotinib.[31] The most prevalent AEs with nilotinib were hyperbilirubinemia (47%) and Q-wave to
T-wave (QT) interval prolongation (15%), whereas with dasatinib was pleural effusion.[31] Recent real-world and meta-analysis studies have shown that the new generation TKIs,
dasatinib, nilotinib, and ponatinib pose a greater risk of cardiovascular toxicities
than imatinib.[32]
[33]
[34] The experts agreed that BCR–ABL1 mutational status, the higher grade AEs, 1-log
increase in BCR–ABL transcript level, and loss of MMR are reviewed while switching
TKI.
The outcomes from a 2-year follow-up of a phase-I/II open-label study on bosutinib
as a second-line TKI reported that 85% of patients achieved/maintained complete hematological
response, 35% achieved MMR, and 59% achieved/maintained major cytogenetic response
(MCyR), including 48% with CCyR. Moreover, the overall survival (OS) and progression-free
survival (PFS) rates were 91 and 81%, respectively, after 2 years of treatment.[35] In another mature analysis of the phase-I/II open-label trial, which assessed factors
that may influence long-term outcomes, BCR–ABL1 mutations were identified as a significant
predictor of decreased OS (HR of 3.35).[36] In a comparison study of dasatinib, nilotinib, and bosutinib in second-line CML,
bosutinib showed significantly greater PFS than dasatinib and nilotinib. In comparison
to dasatinib, bosutinib resulted in HR for PFS and OS of 0.63 (0.44–0.90, p < 0.05) and 0.82 (0.54–1.26, p = 0.37), respectively, and an odds ratio (OR) for MCyR of 0.78 (0.53–1.16). However,
in comparison with nilotinib, bosutinib demonstrated a significant HR of 0.54 (0.38–0.76,
p < 0.01) in favor of bosutinib for PFS and a nonsignificant HR of 0.72 (0.46–1.13,
p = 0.16) for OS ([Table 2]).[37] Even in the advanced stages of CML (i.e., AP-CML or BP-CML), bosutinib has reported
stable long-term efficacy and safety in patients experiencing prior treatment failure,
as evident in the phase-I/II trial.[38] This trial indicated that 57 and 28% attained or maintained an overall hematologic
response among AP-CML and BP-CML patients, and 40 and 37% attained or maintained MCyR
by 4 years. The most commonly reported AEs were GI—low-grade diarrhea (any grade,
74%; maximum grade 1/2, 69%), while serious AEs occurred in 59% patients, most common
being pneumonia (10%) and pyrexia (7%).[38]
Considering the switch to bosutinib from another TKI in second-line CP-CML, the experts
agreed that loss of MMR, 1-log reduction in BCR–ABL percentage, or evolving BCR–ABL
kinase mutations are the primary factors in switching to bosutinib from another TKI
in second-line therapy. The experts highlighted that comorbidities and risk of potential
AEs in the patient were also considered while choosing bosutinib over other TKIs.
Management of Adverse Events in Patients on Bosutinib
Skin rashes were reported in approximately 30% of the patients administered with bosutinib.
However, they were usually short-lasting and well manageable. A study by Ault et al
suggests comprehensive skincare and the use of topical agents, immunomodulatory agents,
or systemic antibiotics for severe cases.[39] Diarrhea was reported as the most common AE in the Bosutinib Efficacy and Safety
in Newly Diagnosed Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (BELA) trial (67.7% patients),[20] BFORE trial (70.1% patients),[19] and in a recent real-world study on bosutinib (55% patients).[29]
Myelosuppression was comparable between bosutinib and imatinib arm in the BFORE trial
(45.5 vs. 43.4%)[19] and BELA trial, where the incidence of thrombocytopenia was experienced in a similar
percentage of patients (28 vs. 28%) as was the incidence of anemia (25 vs. 23%), while
the incidence of neutropenia was lower in the bosutinib versus the imatinib arm (13
vs. 30%).[20] In the BFORE trial, musculoskeletal AEs were observed in fewer patients in the bosutinib
arm (29.5%) than patients in imatinib arm (58.5%).[19]
Cardiac AEs (including atrial fibrillation, QT prolongation, and additional arrhythmias)
were also comparable between the bosutinib arm and imatinib arm in BFORE trial with
5.2 versus 5.3% patients, respectively, and in phase-III BELA trial as 8 versus 6%,
respectively.[19]
[20] After analysis of 4-year data from BELA trial, it was revealed that there is no
increased risk of cardiovascular events with long-term bosutinib versus imatinib treatment.[20]
The experts concurred that diarrhea occurred early during bosutinib treatment, with
the majority of patients experiencing transient, mild-to-moderate diarrhea. However,
it is self-limiting in most cases and ceases to be a concern with time. In phase-II
clinical trial results of bosutinib, only 10% of patients on bosutinib experienced
grade 3/4 diarrhea, while others had mild (grade 1/2) diarrhea.[40] The practical management of bosutinib also suggests withholding bosutinib if a patient
experience grade 3/4 diarrhea, that is, ≥7 stools/day during baseline/pretreatment
until recovery to grade ≤1. Bosutinib can be resumed at 400 mg QD dose as patients
recover to grade ≤1 diarrhea.[41]
The experts agreed that fewer cardiovascular AEs with bosutinib in trials and clinical
experience may outweigh the safety concerns associated with bosutinib. Furthermore,
the treatment regimen and dosage of bosutinib can be adjusted to manage the side effects.
In routine clinical practice, bosutinib was either withdrawn for 2 weeks or the dose
reduced by 100 mg when a patient experienced a hematological AE. The practical management
of bosutinib also suggests withdrawing bosutinib when hematological AEs occur and
resuming it at the same dose if patients recover within 2 weeks. However, if the recovery
takes more than 2 weeks, bosutinib dose must be reduced by 100 mg.[41]
[42] A phase-I/II study assessing the safety of bosutinib in the management of CML patients
also reported toxicities such as alanine transaminase (ALT) elevations and lipase
increases. However, these toxicities were successfully managed by treatment interruptions
and dose reductions.[40] In hepatic toxicity, bosutinib is not withdrawn until the aspartate aminotransferase
(AST) or ALT level increases by four to five times, and discontinued if the AST/ALT
level increases further.[41]
[42]
According to experts, the renal profile of patients with CP-CML must be considered
during treatment initiation and bosutinib dose must be recommended accordingly. Furthermore,
the creatinine clearance level of the CP-CML patient should be regularly monitored
during treatment. For creatinine clearance of 30 to 50 mL/min, a starting dose of
400 mg/d bosutinib is recommended, whereas for creatinine clearance <30 mL/min, it
is 300 mg/d.[41]
Bosutinib in Patients with Underlying Comorbidities
Data suggest that patients diagnosed with CP-CML have at least one comorbidity during
diagnosis. In an observational study conducted in patients with CP-CML, 78.1% patients
had a Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) of 2. In comparison, 15.9% patients had a CCI
of 3.[43] Most common comorbidities associated with patients with CP-CML were diabetes mellitus,
peptic ulcer disease, peripheral vascular disease, liver impairment, renal insufficiency,
myocardial infarction, tumors other than CML, cerebrovascular disease, or chronic
pulmonary disease.[43]
[44] Accounting underlying comorbidities among patients with CP-CML at diagnosis is pivotal
in therapy selection.
The experts agreed that bosutinib could be recommended for CP-CML patients with cardiovascular
comorbidities, underlying diabetes, and pulmonary hypertension. They have observed
positive outcomes in such patients with bosutinib use in routine clinical practice.
Bosutinib in Elderly and Vulnerable Population
CML is usually diagnosed at a median age of 57 to 60 years[45]; consequently, substantial proportion of patients with CML have achieved elderly
status or are likely to achieve it during treatment. Increased age affects the OS
of patients with CML. Bosutinib has proven effectiveness and favorable safety profile
in elderly patients. In a retrospective real-world study of bosutinib use in 91 elderly
(>65 years) patients with CP-CML, all grade hematological and extrahematological toxicities
were reported in 13.1 and 49.4% patients, respectively, after 18.1 months median period
of treatment.[46] Among the 86 elderly patients evaluable for response, approximately 4.6% achieved
hematological response and 82.5% achieved CCyR (MCyR: 4.7%, CCyR: 77.9%).[46] Furthermore, bosutinib may be better tolerated at lower doses (300 mg QD) in elderly
patients. In a prospective phase-II study in 63 elderly CML patients after intolerance/failure
of first-line TKIs, bosutinib was initiated at a dose of 200 mg QD, increased to 300 mg
QD after 3 months, and further to 400 mg QD in patients with BCR–ABL transcript >1%.
Overall, 60% of the cohort achieved MR3 by 12 months, while 38 and 19% achieved MR4
and MR4.5, respectively.[47]
For younger patients, especially women, bosutinib which is a second-generation TKI
may be preferred over imatinib, particularly because the achievement of a deep and
rapid MR may allow eventual discontinuation of TKI therapy for fertility purpose.
With the currently available management options for CP-CML, effective contraception
is encouraged with all TKIs due to the risk of fetal complications with drug exposure
in women of reproductive age. Overall, the experts agreed that bosutinib can be recommended
for elderly patients, women of reproductive age, and patients with comorbidities such
as cardiovascular disease, pulmonary hypertension, or diabetes mellitus.
Treatment-Free Remission with Bosutinib
In recent years, the treatment goals in CML have evolved, a group of patients successfully
treated with TKI may experience a period of TFR. For patients with CML achieving DMR
on TKI therapy, TFR is a safe treatment goal. TKI discontinuation involving imatinib,
dasatinib, and nilotinib has been examined in recent studies, though there are limited
data exploring TKI discontinuation with bosutinib. A U.S. study that evaluated the
molecular recurrence of CML and patient-reported outcomes after discontinuation of
TKI for patients in TFR at 6 months observed a moderate improvement in fatigue, diarrhea,
and minimal increase in pain interference, while some patients reported substantial
improvements in fatigue and diarrhea.[48] However, failing to achieve MR 4.5 before TKI discontinuation proved as a strong
predictor of relapse with HR 40.23 in a single center study involving 15 patients
with ponatinib/bosutinib discontinuation.[49]
The experts discussed their clinical experience with dasatinib and nilotinib and their
opinion on the discontinuation of bosutinib once DMR is sustained for a certain period.
The experts acknowledged that there is limited published literature on TFR with bosutinib
and a pressing need for further research in this area. However, experts opined that
based on NCCN guidelines, the data on TFR for other second-generation TKIs could be
extrapolated for bosutinib.[2]