High-dose imatinib induction followed by standard-dose maintenance in pre-treated chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia patients--final analysis of a randomized, multicenter, phase III trial.

Background: Previous data suggest that the response of chronic myeloid leukemia cells to imatinib is dose-dependent. The potential benefit of initial dose intensification of imatinib in pre-treated patients with chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia remains unknown.

Design And Methods: Two hundred and twenty-seven pre-treated patients with chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase were randomly assigned to continuous treatment with a standard dose of imatinib (400 mg/day; n=113) or to 6 months of high-dose induction with imatinib (800 mg/day) followed by a standard dose of imatinib as maintenance therapy (n=114).

[Malignant tumor originating from the interstitial cells of the testis (leydigoma)].

The authors describe a very rare and very interesting case of malignant tumour, originating from the interstitial cells of the testis, developed in a male of 53, with multiple metastases. The patient developed chronic hypocorticism, owing to bilateral metastases in adrenal glands and finally followed by an Addison coma. The case is of interest because no data are available in literature about metastases in adrenals with and adrenal insufficiency advancement.