Imatinib Mesylate
(ih-MA-tih-nib MEH-zih-layt)This page contains brief information about imatinib mesylate and a collection of links to more information about the use of this drug, research results, and ongoing clinical trials.
US Brand Name(s): | Gleevec | |
FDA Approved: | Yes |
Imatinib mesylate is approved to treat:
- Acute lymphoblastic leukemia that is Philadelphia chromosome positive and has recurred (come back) or is refractory (does not respond to treatment).
- Chronic eosinophilic leukemia or hypereosinophilic syndrome.
- Chronic myelogenous leukemia that is Philadelphia chromosome positive.
- Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans.
- Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST).
- Myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative disorders.
- Systemic mastocytosis.
Imatinib mesylate is also being studied in the treatment of other conditions and types of cancer.
More About Imatinib MesylateDefinition from the NCI Drug Dictionary - Detailed scientific definition and other names for this drug.
MedlinePlus Information on Imatinib Mesylate - A lay language summary of important information about this drug that may include the following:
- warnings about this drug,
- what this drug is used for and how it is used,
- what you should tell your doctor before using this drug,
- what you should know about this drug before using it,
- other drugs that may interact with this drug, and
- possible side effects.
Drugs are often studied to find out if they can help treat or prevent conditions other than the ones they are approved for. This patient information sheet applies only to approved uses of the drug. However, much of the information may also apply to unapproved uses that are being studied.
Gleevec: Questions and Answers - Information about the use of this drug to treat cancer.
Targeted Cancer Therapies - Information about the use of this drug to treat cancer.
Research ResultsClinical Trial Results: Imatinib Added to Chemotherapy Keeps Disease in Check for Longer in Children with Rare Form of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.
Clinical Trial Results: Imatinib Reduces Cancer Recurrence in Patients with Surgically Removed Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST) - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.
Clinical Trial Results: Imatinib 'Treatment Holiday' Risks Disease Progression - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.
Clinical Trial Results: Imatinib Mesylate Confirmed as More Effective Than Conventional Therapy for Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML) - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.
Gleevec Decreases Cancer Recurrence for Patients with Primary Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor - Information from the NCI Press Office about this drug.
Clinical Trials Accepting PatientsFind Clinical Trials for Imatinib Mesylate - Check for trials from NCI's list of cancer clinical trials now accepting patients.
Important: The drug information on this page is meant to be educational. It is not a substitute for medical advice. The information may not cover all possible uses, actions, interactions, or side effects of this drug, or precautions to be taken while using it. Please see your health care professional for more information about your specific medical condition and the use of this drug.