Keywords
Immune system
Tyrosine kinase inhibitor
Treatment suspension
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Abstract
Objective: To analyze and review the main articles available on the influence of the immune system on the success of discontinuing tyrosine kinase inhibitors in chronic myeloid leukemia. Literature review: The recent concept of treatment-free remission (TFR) emerges as an attractive goal, allowing patients diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia who have achieved deep molecular responses to discontinue treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). The immune system plays a crucial role in the success of TKI discontinuation. Natural killer (NK) cells and CD8+ effector T cells are essential for immune surveillance and disease control. Additionally, the presence of specific cytotoxic T cells is associated with sustained remission. Furthermore, treatment with TKIs reduces leukemia burden, enabling the reactivation of effective immune responses and the elimination of tumor cells. Conclusions: In this context, there is a need for new therapeutic approaches that reinforce the immune response and explore combinations of ITQ with immunostimulatory agents, aiming to optimize the maintenance of remission and provide more effective therapy that improves quality of life.
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