4.2.5 Treatment-free remission
Patients who achieve deep molecular response that is maintained for at least 24 months have the option to consider ceasing treatment. It’s important to have a frank discussion about what discontinuing TKI therapy entails, including the chance of success, the frequency of molecular
monitoring required, the risk of TKI-withdrawal syndrome and the impact of restarting therapy if that becomes necessary. Before ceasing treatment, strict processes need to be in place to ensure that molecular monitoring is timely and results are acted on promptly.
For more information, see Table 8 in the European LeukemiaNet 2020 recommendations for treating CML