Asciminib improves outcomes in chronic myeloid leukemia

1. In this randomized controlled trial, among adults diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), asciminib demonstrated a significantly higher major molecular response (MMR) rate compared to investigator-selected tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). 

2. The safety profile of asciminib was favorable, with fewer grade 3 or higher adverse events and lower discontinuation rates.

Evidence Rating Level: 1 (Excellent)

Study Rundown: CML is a hematological malignancy characterized by the overproduction of myeloid cells. Effective long-term treatment is critical for managing this disease and improving patient outcomes. TKIs represent a current mainstay of therapy. Though, asciminib is a protein kinase inhibitor that shows promise as a comparable agent. Additionally, it may have a better safety profile than its TKI counterparts. This phase three randomized controlled trial assessed the efficacy and safety of asciminib versus investigator-selected TKIs. It included a population of patients with newly diagnosed CML. The study results demonstrated tht asciminib was superior in achieving MMR at week 48, showing a significant difference when compared to both imatinib and other TKIs. The adverse events with the study drug were less frequent, contributing to an overall favourable safety profile compared to TKIs. Strengths of the study included the large sample size of 405 patients, while limitations involve the open-label design and the need for longer follow-up to fully assess the long-term benefits and risks associated with asciminib. In summary, the findings of the study suggest that asciminib may provide a superior benefit-risk profile in treating newly diagnosed CML patients.

Click to read the study in NEJM

In-Depth [randomized controlled trial]: This phase three randomized controlled trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of asciminib compared to investigator-selected TKIs in patients with newly diagnosed CML. Conducted from 2021 to 2022, the study enrolled a total of 405 patients, who were randomly assigned to receive either asciminib (201 patients) or an investigator-selected TKI (204 patients). The participants were stratified based on pre-randomization-selected TKI and their risk category determined by the European Treatment and Outcome Study. Inclusion criteria included adults aged 18 years or older diagnosed with chronic-phase CML according to European LeukemiaNet 2020 guidelines. Patients who had previously received hydroxyurea or anagrelide for CML were eligible, but those treated with any TKIs were excluded. The primary endpoint of the study was the MMR at week 48, defined as BCR:ABL1 transcript levels ≤0.1% on the International Scale. The study’s findings revealed that asciminib achieved an MMR rate of 67.7% at week 48, significantly higher than the 49.0% observed with investigator-selected TKIs (p<0.001). Within the imatinib stratum, the MMR for asciminib was 69.3%, compared to 40.2% for imatinib, indicating a treatment difference of 29.6 percentage points (Confidence Interval [CI], 16.9 to 42.2; p<0.001). Furthermore, the cumulative incidence of patients with BCR::ABL1 transcript levels ≤1% was 87.1% for asciminib, compared to 72.5% for TKIs, showcasing its superior efficacy. In terms of safety, the trial reported that adverse events of grade 3 or higher were less frequent with asciminib (38.0%) compared to imatinib (44.4%) and second-generation TKIs (54.9%). These results underscore asciminib’s potential as an effective first-line treatment option for patients with newly diagnosed CML, highlighting its favourable efficacy and safety profile.

Image: PD

©2024 2 Minute Medicine, Inc. All rights reserved. No works may be reproduced without expressed written consent from 2 Minute Medicine, Inc. Inquire about licensing here. No article should be construed as medical advice and is not intended as such by the authors or by 2 Minute Medicine, Inc.