Scemblix (asciminib)

Both primary patient and Ba/F3 cells carrying TPR::ABL2 exhibited kinase activation and sensitivity to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). This study expands the repertoire of ABL2 fusions identified in ALL and supports the incorporation of TKIs into T-ALL treatment regimens to improve outcomes for this subtype.

For resistance, assessment of BCR::ABL1 mutations is essential, and second-line agents should be chosen according to the initial TKI and mutation sensitivity. This article summarizes the criteria and timing for switching to second-line therapy and key considerations for selecting and managing second-line TKIs, and briefly reviews the evidence for asciminib and ponatinib in second-line and later settings.

In Japan, five agents-imatinib (Glivec®), dasatinib (Sprycel®), nilotinib (Tasigna®), bosutinib (Bosulif®), and STAMP inhibitor asciminib (Scemblix®)-are currently approved for first-line therapy. Looking forward, immunologic determinants of TFR and novel therapeutic approaches, including targeting CML stem cells with agents such as asciminib or demethylating drugs, may offer prospects for cure. This review summarizes the current evidence and practical considerations in selecting first-line therapy for chronic-phase CML, with a focus on optimizing long-term outcomes and advancing toward individualized and potentially curative strategies.

The effectiveness of asciminib, combined with its capacity to overcome resistance through combination strategies with adenosine triphosphate-binding site tyrosine kinase inhibitors, establishes it as a focal point in emerging chronic myeloid leukemia treatment approaches. It remains essential to continue research and clinical trials to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of asciminib and manage its associated side effects.

Viability, cytotoxicity, and caspase-3/7 activity were assessed following single-agent treatment with asciminib, ponatinib, bortezomib, or panobinostat. Co-inhibition of proteasomes and histone deacetylases eliminates TKI-refractory BCR::ABL1-driven leukaemia cells by inducing mitochondrial apoptosis and loss of clonogenic potential. These findings indicate a clinically actionable, TKI-independent strategy for the salvage treatment of multidrug-resistant CML.

Six thousand six hundred twenty-five dasatinib (age 59.7±15.2 years, 44.0% women), 5205 nilotinib (age 55.4±15.0 years, 44.2% women), 2421 bosutinib (age 63.8±14.2 years, 42.1% women),1358 ponatinib (age 57.3±14.9 years, 46.1% women), and 922 asciminib (age 64.3±13.8 years, 43.7% female) new users were each matched with the maximum of available imatinib users on time-conditional propensity score and on duration of prior imatinib use (prevalent users). This study, designed to emulate a randomized trial, suggests that, in French patients with chronic myeloid leukemia treated with BCR-ABL TKIs, dasatinib use is associated with a higher risk of PAH compared with imatinib, while bosutinib and ponatinib exposure may aggravate or trigger a recurrence of PAH in patients with preexisting dasatinib exposure. Whether bosutinib and ponatinib could induce PAH without preexposure to dasatinib remains to be explored.

A model-informed drug development (MIDD) approach was applied to predict 2L efficacy and supported global regulatory approval of asciminib across treatment lines, despite limited clinical data in 2L.

P1/2, N=50, Not yet recruiting, Novartis Pharmaceuticals

Successive generations of TKIs have transformed Ph + ALL from a uniformly fatal leukemia into a highly treatable disease, with dasatinib or ponatinib-based and TKI-blinatumomab regimens achieving high rates of complete molecular remission...Novel agents, including asciminib and olverembatinib, are expanding options for resistant or relapsed disease, while CAR-T cell therapy and next-generation bispecific T-cell engagers are emerging as promising tools for refractory and post-TKI settings...Integrating potent TKIs with immunotherapy enables deep and durable remissions, potentially eliminating the need for upfront transplantation in selected patients. Future research should define molecular predictors of treatment-free remission, optimize CNS prophylaxis in targeted regimens, and establish standardized monitoring for safe TKI discontinuation.

P4, N=200, Recruiting, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University o

P=N/A, N=200, Not yet recruiting, Novartis Pharmaceuticals