Should I take Nilotinib for life?

Nilotinib is a drug called a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) that interferes with the protein produced by the genetic mutation that causes chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). This interference can prevent cancer cells from growing. Patients newly diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia are usually treated with nilotinib or one of two other TKIs, imatinib or dasatinib.

Two phase 2 clinical trials, ENESTfreedom and ENESTop, tested whether patients could stop taking the medication. The ENESTfreedom trial enrolled 215 patients who had been taking nilotinib for at least 2 years. All trial participants continued to take the drug for more than one year as part of the trial. One year later, 190 patients who were still in remission stopped taking the drug. Study results showed that during the 48 weeks, 58% of patients remained in remission and 41% experienced relapse and restarted nilotinib. Of these, 50 recovered their response to the drug. One patient who did not respond responded was switched to another drug used to treat chronic myelogenous leukemia. In both trials, about 25% to 40% of patients experienced muscle pain, bone pain, or both during the first 48 weeks after stopping the drug. These side effects have been reported previously in patients who stopped taking nilotinib.

The original drug Nilotinib is marketed in China under the name Nilotinib and is covered by medical insurance, but reimbursement is limited to patients who meet the indications. SpecificationsThe price of 150mg*120 tablets per box may be around 9,000 yuan. The Indian version of Nilotinib is available overseas. The price of Nilotinib's original drug, 150mg*28 capsules per box, may be around RMB 1,000 (the price may fluctuate due to exchange rates). The ingredients of the original drug sold domestically and abroad are basically the same. Currently, there is no generic version of Nilotinib produced and launched. For more drug information and specific prices, please consult Yaode Medical Consultants.