Pilot Study of Imatinib Discontinuation in Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia with Deep Molecular Response (EDI-PIO) — Evaluation of Pioglitazone in Treatment-Free Remission

Introduction: Successful TKI discontinuation is feasible in approximately 40-60% of CML patients with stable and deep molecular response, but the persistence of quiescent CML stem cells (LSC) may be responsible for relapse. Pioglitazone, a PPARgamma agonist may reduce STAT5 activity and cause an erosion of CML LSC.