E.1.
Imatinib mesylate (sold as Gleevec® by Novartis)
Fig. 1.12
Imatinib (Fig. 1.12) was first
approved by the FDA in 2001 and sold as Gleevec®. It works by specifically
targeting, and turning off constitutively active tyrosine kinases (Bcr-abl)
which help cancer cells grow and multiply. Bcr-abl kinase is a hybrid product
of a chimeric Bcr-abl oncogene caused by translocation between chromosomes 9
and 22. The tyrosine kinases cause several cancers including Philadelphia
chromosome positive chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph+ CML) and gastrointestinal stromal
tumor (GIST). Gleevac comes in tablet form. When given by oral administration,
the active ingredient, imatinib, is rapidly absorbed.
Potential side effects of Gleevec
include fluid retention, rash, nausea & vomiting, muscle cramps, and
diarrhea.
© Jiajiu Shaw, 2019
Disclaimer: This blog is written solely for informational purposes. It does not constitute the practice of any medical, nursing or other medical professional health care advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All contents posted are extracted from the book, "SIDE EFFECTS OF CHEMOTHERAPY AND RADIOTHERAPY", prepared by Dr. Jiajiu Shaw, Dr. Frederick Valeriote, and Dr. Ben Chen.
