Association of Demographic and Clinical Determinants with Treatment Response and Prognosis in a Single-Center Study with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
Abstract
Background: Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) shows a diverse clinical presentation, and its prognosis is affected by a combination of demographic and laboratory factors. Although global studies have identified several prognostic markers, detailed information specific to the Iraqi population remains limited. Understanding how local demographic trends and easily accessible laboratory measures influence treatment response is essential for customizing care in this region.
Aim: To determine the influence of demographic characteristics (age, sex), disease-related factors (phase, duration), and baseline laboratory parameters ( WBC, HGB, and PLT) on treatment response and prognosis in AL-Diwaniya Iraqi patients with CML
Methods: A retrospective study was conducted using routinely collected clinical data from 51 CML patients managed at Al-Diwaniya Teaching Hospital in the hematology clinic from September 2024 to March 2025. Response was mainly determined by Molecular Response, which was defined as a reduction in BCR-ABL transcript levels, as measured by RT-PCR every 3-6 months. Multivariable regression models were used to assess the independent associations between each predictor and treatment response while controlling for potential confounders.
Results: PLT (Platelet count) demonstrated statistically significant associations with treatment response among the variables examined. Age, sex, disease phase, disease duration, WBC, and HGB did not reach statistical significance in this study.
Conclusion: This study highlights platelet count as a significant prognostic marker, suggesting its potential utility in personalising treatment strategies and enhancing patient outcomes in limited-resource countries and as a primary assessment tool. However, the study's findings must be interpreted with caution due to limitations such as missing data and a small sample size and factors such as baseline disease burden and treatment duration, which can substantially influence response dynamics and overall outcomes, which may impact the generalisability of the results. This work provides locally relevant evidence to guide clinical practice and national policy development, contributing to better outcomes in CML management across similar healthcare contexts.
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