Nilotinib therapy in an imatinib intolerant chronic myeloid leukemia patient with pulmonary severe hypertension

Imatinib mesylate is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that has significant efficacy in the treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia. In general, hematologic and extrahematologic side effects of imatinib therapy are mild to moderate, with the large majority of patients tolerating prolonged periods of therapy. However, a minority of patients are completely intolerant of therapy, while others are able to remain on therapy despite significant side effects. Here, we describe a chronic phase CML patient with pulmonary arterial hypertension, mechanical hearth valve, who experienced extrahematologic adverse event (persistent grade III cutaneous rash, despite two discontinuations of imatinib and using of steroid). Necessitating switch to one of new tyrosine kinase inhibitors, nilotinib, has resulted in complete cytogenetic response and major molecular response, after 3 and 6 months, respectively. No cross-intolerance with imatinib was observed during nilotinib therapy. Besides, this clinical case suggests that warfarin and nilotinib can be used concurrently without the risk of increased anticoagulant effect.