Gleevec

Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors, Dermatofibrosarcoma, Leukemia + 17 more
Treatment
35 FDA approvals
20 Active Studies for Gleevec

What is Gleevec

ImatinibThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryImatinib, also known as Gleevec or Glivec, is a medication used to treat cancer. It is a type of small molecule inhibitor that works by blocking certain tyrosine kinase enzymes. Imatinib is most commonly used to treat chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), and other forms of cancer. It is the first drug of its kind and works differently than other cancer treatments that target rapidly dividing cells.
Gleevecis the brand name
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Gleevec Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Gleevec
Imatinib
2001
64

Approved as Treatment by the FDA

Imatinib, also called Gleevec, is approved by the FDA for 35 uses including Hypereosinophilic Syndrome and Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors .
Hypereosinophilic Syndrome
Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors
Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors
Leukemia, Myeloid, Accelerated Phase
FIP1L1-PDGFRα fusion kinase status unknown Chronic eosinophilic leukemia
newly diagnosed, chronic phase Chronic myeloid leukemia
Accelerated phase chronic myologenic leukemia
recurrent Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans
refractory, chronic phase Chronic myeloid leukemia
Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS)
unresectable Gastrointestinal stromal tumor
cKit mutational status unknown Aggressive systemic mastocytosis
FIP1L1-PDGFRα fusion kinase status unknown Hypereosinophilic syndrome
Hypereosinophilic Syndrome (HES)
Systemic Mastocytosis, Aggressive (ASM)
Chronic Myeloid Leukemia, Blast Crisis
Chronic Eosinophilic Leukemia (CEL)
metastatic Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans
Myeloproliferative Disorders (MPD)
Metastatic Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor
Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST)
Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma
Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma
Blast Phase
Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive
Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors
Myelodysplastic Syndrome
Leukemia
Hypereosinophilic Syndrome
Eosinophilic leukemia
Dermatofibrosarcoma
Dermatofibrosarcoma
Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive
Mastocytosis, Systemic
Myeloproliferative Disorders

Effectiveness

How Gleevec Affects PatientsImatinib is a medicine used to treat cancer. It works by blocking a specific type of protein (BCR-ABL) that is often found in cancer cells. This protein helps cancer cells grow, move, and resist death, so blocking it can help stop the spread of cancer. Normal cells have other proteins that can take over if BCR-ABL is blocked, so they are less impacted by imatinib than cancer cells.
How Gleevec works in the bodyImatinib mesylate is a drug that blocks a protein called BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase, which is found in abnormally high levels in cancer cells. This protein is necessary for tumor growth and survival, and Imatinib stops it from working, leading to cell death. Imatinib also blocks other proteins in the body that help regulate cell growth and survival, such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and stem cell factor (SCF). In laboratory tests, Imatinib has been shown to stop the growth of certain cancer cells and cause them to die.

When to interrupt dosage

The measure of Gleevec is contingent upon the diagnosed affliction, including Metastatic Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor, Hypereosinophilic Syndrome (HES) and Desmoid Tumors. The dosage fluctuates in line with the technique of administration noted in the table below.
Condition
Dosage
Administration
Dermatofibrosarcoma
, 100.0 mg, 400.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 80.0 mg/mL
, Tablet, Oral, Tablet - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, Solution - Oral, Solution
Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive
, 100.0 mg, 400.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 80.0 mg/mL
, Tablet, Oral, Tablet - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, Solution - Oral, Solution
Leukemia, Myeloid, Accelerated Phase
, 100.0 mg, 400.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 80.0 mg/mL
, Tablet, Oral, Tablet - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, Solution - Oral, Solution
Eosinophilic leukemia
, 100.0 mg, 400.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 80.0 mg/mL
, Tablet, Oral, Tablet - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, Solution - Oral, Solution
Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors
, 100.0 mg, 400.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 80.0 mg/mL
, Tablet, Oral, Tablet - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, Solution - Oral, Solution
Myeloproliferative Disorders
, 100.0 mg, 400.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 80.0 mg/mL
, Tablet, Oral, Tablet - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, Solution - Oral, Solution
Myelodysplastic Syndrome
, 100.0 mg, 400.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 80.0 mg/mL
, Tablet, Oral, Tablet - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, Solution - Oral, Solution
Blast Phase
, 100.0 mg, 400.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 80.0 mg/mL
, Tablet, Oral, Tablet - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, Solution - Oral, Solution
Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma
, 100.0 mg, 400.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 80.0 mg/mL
, Tablet, Oral, Tablet - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, Solution - Oral, Solution
Chordoma
, 100.0 mg, 400.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 80.0 mg/mL
, Tablet, Oral, Tablet - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, Solution - Oral, Solution
Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma
, 100.0 mg, 400.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 80.0 mg/mL
, Tablet, Oral, Tablet - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, Solution - Oral, Solution
Hypereosinophilic Syndrome
, 100.0 mg, 400.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 80.0 mg/mL
, Tablet, Oral, Tablet - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, Solution - Oral, Solution
Leukemia
, 100.0 mg, 400.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 80.0 mg/mL
, Tablet, Oral, Tablet - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, Solution - Oral, Solution
Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors
, 100.0 mg, 400.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 80.0 mg/mL
, Tablet, Oral, Tablet - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, Solution - Oral, Solution
Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors
, 100.0 mg, 400.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 80.0 mg/mL
, Tablet, Oral, Tablet - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, Solution - Oral, Solution
Dermatofibrosarcoma
, 100.0 mg, 400.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 80.0 mg/mL
, Tablet, Oral, Tablet - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, Solution - Oral, Solution
Hypereosinophilic Syndrome
, 100.0 mg, 400.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 80.0 mg/mL
, Tablet, Oral, Tablet - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, Solution - Oral, Solution
Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive
, 100.0 mg, 400.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 80.0 mg/mL
, Tablet, Oral, Tablet - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, Solution - Oral, Solution
Mastocytosis, Systemic
, 100.0 mg, 400.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 80.0 mg/mL
, Tablet, Oral, Tablet - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, Solution - Oral, Solution
Metastatic Melanoma
, 100.0 mg, 400.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 80.0 mg/mL
, Tablet, Oral, Tablet - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, Solution - Oral, Solution

Warnings

Gleevec Contraindications
Condition
Risk Level
Notes
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
There are 20 known major drug interactions with Gleevec.
Common Gleevec Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
2-Methoxyethanol
Major
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Imatinib is combined with 2-Methoxyethanol.
9-(N-methyl-L-isoleucine)-cyclosporin A
Major
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Imatinib is combined with 9-(N-methyl-L-isoleucine)-cyclosporin A.
Abetimus
Major
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Imatinib is combined with Abetimus.
Acteoside
Major
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Imatinib is combined with Acteoside.
Aldosterone
Major
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Imatinib is combined with Aldosterone.
Gleevec Toxicity & Overdose RiskTaking Voltaren can lead to side effects such as swelling, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, pain, diarrhea, rash, fatigue, and abdominal pain. In animal studies, long-term use of Voltaren has been linked to liver, kidney, and heart damage, as well as a weakened immune system and an increased risk of infection. Additionally, studies in rats have found that taking Voltaren may reduce the lifespan of males at high doses and both males and females at lower doses. In terms of fertility, male rats who were given Voltaren had decreased testicular and epididymal weights and reduced numbers of motile sperm,
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Gleevec Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Gleevec?

At present, 290 active studies are being conducted to assess the potential of Gleevec to treat Metastatic Melanoma, unresectable Gastrointestinal stromal tumor and Systemic Mastocytosis.
Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma
20 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 1
Myelodysplastic Syndrome
106 Actively Recruiting
Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, Not Applicable
Mastocytosis, Systemic
0 Actively Recruiting
Chordoma
0 Actively Recruiting
Leukemia
0 Actively Recruiting
Leukemia, Myeloid, Accelerated Phase
0 Actively Recruiting
Blast Phase
0 Actively Recruiting
Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive
0 Actively Recruiting
Myeloproliferative Disorders
3 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 3, Phase 2
Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive
0 Actively Recruiting
Metastatic Melanoma
0 Actively Recruiting
Dermatofibrosarcoma
0 Actively Recruiting
Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors
3 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 1
Eosinophilic leukemia
0 Actively Recruiting
Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors
0 Actively Recruiting
Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors
0 Actively Recruiting
Hypereosinophilic Syndrome
0 Actively Recruiting
Dermatofibrosarcoma
0 Actively Recruiting
Hypereosinophilic Syndrome
0 Actively Recruiting
Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma
0 Actively Recruiting

Gleevec Reviews: What are patients saying about Gleevec?

5Patient Review
12/17/2015
Gleevec for Stromal Tumor of Stomach or Intestines
I've been on Gleevec for four years now. I had a fifteen-centimeter GIST removed, and the drug stopped the growth and killed fifty percent of the cancer cells. Now I'm three and a half years cancer free. The side effects are manageable; mainly abdominal bloating.
5Patient Review
5/14/2016
Gleevec for Stromal Tumor of Stomach or Intestines
I've only been taking Gleevec for a short while, but it's working great so far. I'm on 400mg per day as a preventative measure against my 9.5cm GIST tumor recurring. The main side effects I've experienced are nausea, fatigue, blurry vision, and muscle/joint pain.
5Patient Review
10/3/2013
Gleevec for Chronic Myelocytic Leukemia in the Blast Crisis Phase
I've been taking Gleevec for over 17 years now, and it's been a life-saving medication for me. It went into remission early on, and overall I'm very pleased with the results. If I didn't have insurance, the medication would cost $9100 per month—which is absolutely crazy. Thankfully, there are organizations like PSI that help with co-pays. The side effects of the medication can be bothersome—like diarrhea, nausea, and fatigue—but at 69 years old I am grateful for life and for Gleevec. Bone pain, leg cramps, and feet cramps
5Patient Review
11/1/2013
Gleevec for Chronic Phase Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
I went from having a 100% chance of chronic myeloid leukemia to only a 0.1% in 30 months. The 400mg daily dosage really worked for me, though the side effects were tough to manage at times.
5Patient Review
7/14/2013
Gleevec for Type of Leukemia - Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia
I experience some side effects from Gleevec, but they are manageable. The drug is otherwise working as intended.
View All Reviews
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Patient Q&A Section about gleevec

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

What is Gleevec and how does it work?

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

Answered by AI

What type of cancer does Gleevec target?

"Imatinib (often called "Gleevec" or "Glivec"), a drug that inhibits the activity of a certain enzyme, was hailed as a "miracle drug" when it revolutionized the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in 2001."

Answered by AI

How long can you stay on Gleevec?

"The drug Gleevec has been shown to be effective in treating chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), with 83% of patients taking the drug surviving for 10 years or more. The drug does have some side-effects, including a rash, nausea, and fatigue."

Answered by AI

Is Gleevec a chemotherapy?

"Gleevec is a targeted treatment that inhibits the tyrosine kinase made by the BCR-ABL1 gene in leukemia cells, which slows or stops the bone marrow from making abnormal white blood cells."

Answered by AI

What kind of drug is Gleevec?

"Gleevec is a targeted therapy that inhibits signal transduction by protein-tyrosine kinase."

Answered by AI

Clinical Trials for Gleevec

Have you considered Gleevec clinical trials? We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Gleevec, we think they might fit your search criteria.
Have you considered Gleevec clinical trials? We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Gleevec, we think they might fit your search criteria.
Have you considered Gleevec clinical trials? We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Gleevec, we think they might fit your search criteria.
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