Abstract
Although bosutinib is generally safe and effective, drug-related toxicities (DRTs) such as diarrhea or increased transaminase levels often lead to treatment discontinuation. To clarify whether a lower initial dose of bosutinib (i.e., starting at 200 mg) would reduce rates of discontinuation due to DRTs, we conducted a phase 2 study of BOsutinib Gradual Increase (BOGI trial, UMIN 000032282) as a second/third-line treatment for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Between February 4, 2019 and May 24, 2022, 35 patients were enrolled. The rate of bosutinib discontinuation at 12 months was 25.7% vs. 35.9% in a historical control study (Japanese phase 1/2 study) (p = 0.102). The rate of bosutinib discontinuation due to DRTs was significantly lower, at 11.4% vs. 28.2% (p = 0.015). The incidence of grade 3/4 transaminase elevation was 20% vs. 29% (p = 0.427), while the incidence of diarrhea was 3% vs. 25% (p = 0.009). The median dose intensity of bosutinib was higher (391.7 mg/day vs. 353.9 mg/day). Pharmacokinetic analysis of bosutinib showed that patients who achieved a major molecular response tended to have high trough concentrations. Thus, a low initial dose of bosutinib followed by dose escalation reduced discontinuation due to severe DRTs while maintaining high dose intensity and efficacy.