BCR–ABL Transcript Dynamics Support the Hypothesis That Leukemic Stem Cells Are Reduced during Imatinib Treatment

Abstract

We show that the only hypothesis consistent with current data on progenitor cell turnover and with the long-term, gradual decrease in the BCR-ABL levels seen in most patients is that these patients exhibit a continual, gradual reduction of the LSCs. This observation may explain the ability to discontinue imatinib therapy without relapse in some cases.