TKI trial leaves questions unanswered

Dr Lipton and his colleagues said the premature termination of the EPIC trial restricts the interpretation of its results, but the available data provide some insight into the activity and safety of ponatinib in previously untreated CML.

The investigators also noted that data from this trial and the clinical development program for ponatinib suggest that lowering doses of the drug could improve its vascular safety profile and, therefore, the benefit-risk balance.

Two ongoing trials (NCT02467270 and NCT02627677) may provide more insight. Both are investigating starting doses of ponatinib at 15 mg or 30 mg.