Patients with Philadelphia chromosome–positive ALL have traditionally done poorly with conventional chemotherapy, but outcomes are improving in the era of tyrosine kinase inhibitors. This study reports the safety and efficacy with a combination of a targeted approach and low-intensity chemotherapy,” said David Steensma, MD, of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston.

“Several studies have already been presented combining dasatinib [Sprycel] with chemotherapy in Philadelphia chromosome–positive ALL, and this has become routine clinical practice, especially in older patients ineligible for transplant. This study uses nilotinib (Tasigna) instead of dasatinib, which has different side effects. We can now comfortably use nilotinib in elderly patients with Philadelphia chromosome–positive ALL,” he concluded. ■

Disclosure: Dr. Steensma reported no potential conflicts of interest.