A Phase III Study of STI571 Versus Interferon-α (IFN-α) Combined With Cytarabine (Ara-C) in Patients With Newly Diagnosed Previously Untreated Philadelphia Chromosome Positive (Ph+) Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia in Chronic Phase (CML-CP)

The purpose of this study is to evaluate and compare the side effects and anti-leukemic benefits of imatinib with those of interferon and Ara-C for patients who have chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in the chronic phase. Patients in this study will be randomized (1:1) to receive either interferon plus Ara-C or imatinib as initial treatment.