Imatinib alone and in combination for chronic myeloid leukemia☆☆☆
Abstract
Imatinib mesylate (STI571, Gleevec, Glivec; Novartis, Basel, Switzerland) has profoundly changed the management of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). The unprecedented efficacy of a drug that specifically acts on the causative lesion in a malignant disorder is a proof of principle for the concept of molecular targeted therapy. This article will review the development of imatinib as a new therapy for CML. Data regarding the use of higher than the standard dose of 400 mg of imatinib and combinations of imatinib with other antileukemic agents will be discussed in the context of emerging data regarding resistance mechanisms. Semin Hematol 40:50-58. Copyright 2003, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.
☆ Supported by grants from the National Cancer Institute, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Burroughs Wellcome Fund, T. J. Martell Foundation, and the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation.
☆☆ Address reprint requests to Brian J. Druker, MD, Oregon Health & Science University, L592, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR 97239.
PII: S0037-1963(03)70042-0
© 2003 Published by Elsevier Inc.
