Tyrosine kinase inhibitors for chronic myeloid leukemia: a landscape analysis of global clinical trials based on public registries
TL;DR
Global trials are geographically and developmentally unbalanced, with incomplete public availability of trial results, and future research should strengthen international collaboration, optimize trial phase distribution, support novel agent development, and promote timely and complete public disclosure of trial results.
Abstract
Background: Chronic myeloid leukemia is commonly treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and numerous clinical trials have been conducted globally. However, the overall registration distribution, trial development patterns, and public availability of trial results remain unclear. This study aimed to map the global landscape of such trials and assess the public availability of their results. Methods: This registry-based cross-sectional landscape analysis searched five major public clinical trial registries up to 19 March 2026. Results availability among eligible completed trials was assessed using registry records and a supplementary bibliographic search. Two reviewers independently screened trials, extracted data, and resolved discrepancies by adjudication. Descriptive statistical analysis was conducted using R software. We focused on completed trials finished for at least 2 years to evaluate publication. Results: A total of 125 trials were included, of which 96 (76.8%) were interventional studies and 23 (18.4%) were randomized. Trials were concentrated in the United States, Europe, China, and Australia. Most trials targeted BCR-ABL1 and were Phase II studies, whereas Phase I and Phase IV studies were less common. Among 52 eligible completed pharmacological trials, publicly identifiable results were available for 25 trials (48.1%). Among the 44 trials with reported clinical phase, results availability was 77.8% (7/9) for Phase III trials and 0% (0/4) for Phase I trials. Results availability varied descriptively across drug groups, although no drug-specific comparison remained statistically significant after adjustment for multiple testing. Conclusion: Global trials are geographically and developmentally unbalanced, with incomplete public availability of trial results. Future research should strengthen international collaboration, optimize trial phase distribution, support novel agent development, and promote timely and complete public disclosure of trial results.
