What type of cancer does Gleevec treat?

What type of cancer does Gleevec treat?

This medication is used to treat certain types of cancer (such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia, chronic myeloid leukemia, gastrointestinal stromal tumors, and myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative diseases). It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.

How does Gleevec target cancer cells?

Gleevec, known generically as imatinib, works by slowing or stopping the growth of certain cancer cells. Gleevec inhibits (or blocks) specific enzymes in the body called tyrosine kinases. Tyrosine kinase enzymes are involved in many cell functions, including cell signaling (communication), growth, and division.

How long can you take imatinib?

Optimal duration of therapy is unknown but generally imatinib should be continued for 6–9 months, after which additional tumor shrinkage is usually minor.

Is Gleevec a form of chemotherapy?

Chemo was once one of the main treatments for CML. It’s seldom used now because TKIs like imatinib (Gleevec®) work much better. Today, chemo may be used to treat CML when the TKIs have stopped working. It’s also used as part of a stem cell transplant.

Why is Gleevec so significant?

In particular, the discovery and development of Gleevec taught scientists that by understanding the biology of a disease, it is possible to learn how to treat or cure that disease.

What are the long-term side effects of Gleevec?

Some of the side effects seen in clinical studies can happen with long-term use of Gleevec. These include heart problems, such as congestive heart failure and left-sided heart failure. In a clinical study, more than 500 people who took Gleevec for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) were followed for up to 11 years.

Is imatinib an immunotherapy?

Immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies, such as ipilimumab, may help the body’s immune system attack the cancer, and may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. Imatinib mesylate may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth.

Does imatinib suppress the immune system?

Imatinib appears to block a protein called Ido, which researchers think tumors use to promote regulatory T cell function and thus prevent immune attack. Neutralizing Ido’s effect alters the ratio among the T cells, giving the cytotoxic T cells the upper hand to unleash the immune response.

What are the long-term effects of taking Gleevec?

How long can you stay on Gleevec?

Imatinib is generally given for at least 3 years if the patient is tolerating it well. Clinical trials are ongoing to determine if longer durations are beneficial.

What are the long term effects of taking Gleevec?