Chronic myeloid leukemia in the Asia-Pacific region: Current practice, challenges and opportunities in the targeted therapy era

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) management varies across Asia due to disparities in affluence and healthcare provision. We surveyed CML management practice at 33 hospitals in 14 countries/regions to identify treatment challenges and opportunities for harmonization. Patients were generally treated according to international guidelines; however, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and molecular monitoring are inaccessible to many patients not covered by national insurance or eligible for subsidized treatment. Late diagnosis and suboptimal monitoring, often due to cost and accessibility issues, are challenges. Priorities for Asia include: extending accessibility to TKIs; specialist laboratory monitoring; and enriching data to support regional CML management guidelines. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.