Gleevec and Mutations in Leukemia RemissionsCity of Hope Despite being in remission, chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) patients treated with Gleevec™ may harbor mutations in the BCR/ABL gene which reduce drug binding or effectiveness, according to the results of a research paper that will be presented here December 8 at the American Society of Hematology's 45th annual meeting. Gleevec™, the novel drug that targets the gene responsible for CML, has been highly effective in treating CML patients. According to the study's principal investigator, Ravi Bhatia, M.D., City of Hope Cancer Center in Los Angeles, mutations in the kinase domain of the BCR/ABL gene, associated with resistance to Gleevec™, have been reported in patients whose leukemia relapses while they are being treated with Gleevec™.  "We show here that BCR/ABL kinase domain mutations could be detected in stem cells from a substantial proportion of CML patients who are otherwise responding well to Gleevec and are in complete remission," Dr.Bhatia said. Mutations were detected in 6 of the 14 patients who were studied. He said the significance of detection of mutations to the risk of relapse is being investigated. These further studies will determine if other kinds of treatments will need to be added to Gleevec™, also known as STI-571, which has few side effects and is usually well tolerated by CML patients.
For more information, or to contact City of Hope, see their website at: www.cityofhope.org |
 |
Email Article To A Friend |  |
Link to us! |
