More Good News From Gleevec
December 12, 2007 by Gloria Gamat
Filed under Diseases & Conditions
The targeted cancer pill – Gleevec – has been approved for the treatment of gastrointestinal stromal tumors, pediatric CML, as well as five additional rare cancers.
While it has been reported to have saved more than 100,000 lives, Gleevec is now saving more children with a dire leukemia (Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL) ), as well as preventing disease progression with long term use in adults with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).
Such were the data reported by Oregon Health & Science University (OSHU) at the recent annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology:
“Data at this weekend’s meeting continues to show how much Gleevec has completely changed the outlook for so many, many patients facing cancer.
Researchers delivered news that Gleevec has been shown to improve outcomes for children with Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL).”
Gleevec is a product of Novartis.
Find more details from OHSU.
i have been on gleevec since oct. 2007, for cml. what a life saver, what a blessing. how great is it to be able to take a pill? no chemo drips, no nausea etc and what ever else goes along with the other chemo drugs. i went from 600 mg. to 400, and now im on 300. there is a small amount of cancer still present, so i will probably be going back to 400mg. the reduction in gleevec on 600 was liver toxicity on 600, and low white blood cell count on 400. my blood counts are all normal now. i just need the pcr testing to show when the cancer is undetectable, which im hoping for soon. only 6 months into treatment with gleevec, and im doing great. weight gain is the only side effect. im just greatful for this drug. what a break through in cancer treatment! marlene