Chang X, et al. – The impact of imatinib on the fertility of male patients with chronic myelogenous leukaemia (CML) in the chronic phase was inspected in this study. As per findings, imatinib crossed the blood–testis barrier and it reduced sperm density, sperm count, survival rates, and activity in CML–CP patients. The structure of reproductive organs or sex hormone levels was not influenced by imatinib.

Methods

• A study of 48 adult male CML patients in the chronic phase (CML-CP), 50 healthy control subjects, and 10 male patients with infertility, was regulated.
• High-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry was used to estimate imatinib levels in semen and plasma.
• By using a computer-assisted sperm assay and ultrasound, respectively, the effects of imatinib on sperm parameters and the male reproductive system, were analysed.
• Sex hormone levels were examined in the sera of CML-CP patients using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

• In CML-CP patients, imatinib levels in semen were comparable to plasma levels.
• Results indicated reduced sperm density, counts, survival rates, and activity in CML-CP patients treated with imatinib.
• Ultrasound demonstrated normal shape and size of the testis and epididymis in CML-CP patients undergoing imatinib treatment.
• They reported hydrocele in 19 of these patients in their tunica vaginalis, with a large dark area of effusion (0.7–2.9 cm in width).
• There were normal sex hormone levels in the sera of the CML-CP patients.