What does Gleevec (Imatinib) treat?

From the Guidelines

Gleevac, also known as imatinib mesylate, is primarily used to treat certain types of cancer, including chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) 1.

Key Uses of Gleevac

• Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)
• Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs)
• Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)
• Certain myeloproliferative disorders
• Rare conditions like hypereosinophilic syndrome and systemic mastocytosis

Mechanism of Action

Gleevac works as a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, blocking specific enzymes that cancer cells need to grow and multiply 1.

Dosage and Administration

The typical adult dose ranges from 400-800 mg daily, taken orally with food and water to minimize stomach irritation 1.

Side Effects

Side effects may include nausea, muscle cramps, fluid retention, and skin rash 1. Regular blood tests are necessary to monitor response and adjust dosing 1.

Clinical Significance

Gleevac represented a breakthrough in targeted cancer therapy when introduced, offering significantly improved outcomes for previously difficult-to-treat cancers by specifically attacking molecular abnormalities driving cancer growth rather than affecting all rapidly dividing cells 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

Imatinib mesylate is a kinase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of: Newly diagnosed adult and pediatric patients with Philadelphia chromosome positive chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph+ CML) in chronic phase. Patients with Philadelphia chromosome positive chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph+ CML) in blast crisis (BC), accelerated phase (AP), or in chronic phase (CP) after failure of interferon-alpha therapy. Adult patients with relapsed or refractory Philadelphia chromosome positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL). Pediatric patients with newly diagnosed Philadelphia chromosome positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL) in combination with chemotherapy. Adult patients with myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative diseases (MDS/MPD) associated with platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) gene re-arrangements. Adult patients with aggressive systemic mastocytosis (ASM) without the D816V c-Kit mutation or with c-Kit mutational status unknown. Adult patients with hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) and/or chronic eosinophilic leukemia (CEL) who have the FIP1L1-PDGFRα fusion kinase (mutational analysis or fluorescence in situ hybridization [FISH] demonstration of CHIC2 allele deletion) and for patients with HES and/or CEL who are FIP1L1-PDGFRα fusion kinase negative or unknown. Adult patients with unresectable, recurrent and/or metastatic dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP). Patients with Kit (CD117) positive unresectable and/or metastatic malignant gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). Adjuvant treatment of adult patients following resection of Kit (CD117) positive GIST.

Gleevak, also known as Imatinib, is used to treat various conditions, including:

• Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML): newly diagnosed adult and pediatric patients in chronic phase, and patients in blast crisis, accelerated phase, or in chronic phase after failure of interferon-alpha therapy.
• Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL): adult patients with relapsed or refractory Philadelphia chromosome positive ALL, and pediatric patients with newly diagnosed Philadelphia chromosome positive ALL in combination with chemotherapy.
• Myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative diseases (MDS/MPD): associated with platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) gene re-arrangements.
• Aggressive systemic mastocytosis (ASM): without the D816V c-Kit mutation or with c-Kit mutational status unknown.
• Hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) and/or chronic eosinophilic leukemia (CEL): with the FIP1L1-PDGFRα fusion kinase or unknown status.
• Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP): unresectable, recurrent and/or metastatic.
• Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST): Kit (CD117) positive unresectable and/or metastatic, and adjuvant treatment after resection of Kit (CD117) positive GIST 2.

From the Research

Gleevak Treatment

Gleevak, also known as imatinib, is used to treat various diseases, including:

• Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
• Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

Mechanism of Action

Imatinib works by targeting and inhibiting specific tyrosine kinases, such as:

• BCR-ABL in CML 3, 7
• c-KIT in GIST 3, 4
• PDGFR 3

Efficacy and Safety

Studies have shown that imatinib is effective in treating CML and GIST, with:

• High rates of cytogenetic and molecular responses in CML 3, 7
• Substantial activity in GIST patients 3, 4
• Generally well-tolerated, with few severe adverse effects 3, 4