Gleevec FAQ
Q: What is Gleevec?
A: Gleevec (imatinib mesylate) is a prescription medicine used to treat certain types of cancer -- including Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) and Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST). Gleevec works by preventing and stopping the growth of cancer cells. Gleevec is manufactured by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, and was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2001.
Q: What is Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)?
A: CML is a disease in which the body makes too many abnormal white blood cells. As a result, a person can become sick more often, and feel weak and tired. Gleevec helps the body stop making these abnormal white blood cells.
Q: What is a Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST)?
A: GIST is a group of cancer cells that start growing in the wall of the stomach, intestines, or rectum. Gleevec also helps the body stop making these abnormal cells.
Q: Has there been any recent news about Gleevec?
A: Nature Medicine reported in August 2006 that a study of ten CML patients treated with Gleevec developed congestive heart failure after one to fourteen months. However, other studies have shown that Gleevec keeps between 80% and 90% of CML patients cancer free for at least five years. Because the overall survival rate of most CML patients treated with Gleevec is extremely high and because the cancer relapse rate, as well as the number of reported heart failures, is low, many say that the benefits of Gleevec outweigh its risks.
Q: Who should not use Gleevec?
A:
Women should avoid becoming pregnant while being treated with Gleevec. Also, Gleevec can temporarily lower the number of white blood cells in your blood, increasing the change of getting an infection. It can also lower the number of platelets, which are necessary for proper blood clotting. Talk to your healthcare professional about steps you can talk to reduce the risk of infection or bleeding.
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Most content above from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health
