Imatinib mesylate

(Gleevec®)

Gleevec®

Drug updated on 12/11/2024

Dosage FormTablet (oral; 100 mg, 400 mg)
Drug ClassKinase inhibitors
Ongoing and
Completed Studies
ClinicalTrials.gov

Indication

  • Indicated for the treatment of newly diagnosed adult and pediatric patients with Philadelphia chromosome positive chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph+ CML) in chronic phase
  • Indicated for the treatment of 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
  • Indicated for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory Philadelphia chromosome positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL)
  • Indicated for the treatment of pediatric patients with newly diagnosed Philadelphia chromosome positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL) in combination with chemotherapy
  • Indicated for the treatment of adult patients with myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative diseases (MDS/MPD) associated with platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) gene re-arrangements
  • Indicated for the treatment of adult patients with aggressive systemic mastocytosis (ASM) without the D816V c-Kit mutation or with c-Kit mutational status unknown
  • Indicated for the treatment of adult patients with hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) and/or chronic eosinophilic leukemia (CEL) who have the FIP1L1-PDGFR 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-PDGFR fusion kinase negative or unknown
  • Indicated for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable, recurrent and/or metastatic dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP)
  • Indicated for the treatment of patients with Kit (CD117) positive unresectable and/or metastatic malignant gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST)
  • Indicated for the treatment of adjuvant treatment of adult patients following resection of Kit (CD117) positive GIST.

Latest News

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Summary
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  • This summary is based on the review of five systematic review(s)/meta-analysis(es). [1-5]
  • Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST): In three out of four studies reviewed, low-dose imatinib (400 mg/day) demonstrated clinically meaningful responses, with no significant difference in response outcomes compared to higher doses (600-800 mg/day).
  • Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) and GIST with Genetic Polymorphisms: The genotype ATP binding cassette subfamily G member 2 (ABCG2) c.421C>A is associated with increased imatinib plasma trough levels, suggesting potential implications for efficacy, while ATP binding cassette subfamily B member 1 (ABCB1) polymorphisms showed no significant association with imatinib plasma levels.
  • Philadelphia Chromosome Positive Myelodysplastic Syndrome (Ph+ MDS): A 38-year-old female patient achieved bone marrow remission with no recurrence following a combination of imatinib mesylate and chemotherapy, followed by allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
  • In patients with advanced GIST, high-dose imatinib was associated with a higher incidence of grade ≥ 3 adverse events (AEs), particularly in blood and lymphatic system disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, and general disorders, compared to low-dose imatinib.
  • Generic imatinib exhibited a safety profile comparable to branded imatinib, though some studies noted inconsistent findings regarding toxicity.
  • Patients with advanced metastatic or nonresectable GIST benefit from low-dose imatinib due to fewer severe adverse events. Homozygous carriers of the ABCG2 c.421 A allele among GIST and CML patients show higher imatinib plasma levels, potentially affecting efficacy and safety. A 38-year-old Ph+ MDS patient demonstrated remission with combination therapy and stem cell transplant. Generic imatinib generally shows effectiveness and safety in CML patients, though long-term assessments are suggested. Prolonged imatinib use in leukemia patients is linked to oral hyperpigmentation, which is heightened with concurrent hydroxyurea use.

Product Monograph / Prescribing Information

Document TitleYearSource
Gleevec (imatinib mesylate) Prescribing Information.2024Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, East Hanover, NJ

Systematic Reviews / Meta-Analyses

Clinical Practice Guidelines