Last reviewed 2026-04-22 · How we verify

Chemotherapy + Imatinib

This combination uses chemotherapy to kill rapidly dividing cancer cells while imatinib inhibits BCR-ABL and other tyrosine kinases to block leukemic cell proliferation and survival.

This combination uses chemotherapy to kill rapidly dividing cancer cells while imatinib inhibits BCR-ABL and other tyrosine kinases to block leukemic cell proliferation and survival. Used for Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in combination with chemotherapy, Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with BCR-ABL or other kinase-driven disease.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Chemotherapy agents work through various mechanisms (DNA damage, microtubule disruption) to induce apoptosis in cancer cells. Imatinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that specifically targets BCR-ABL fusion protein (characteristic of chronic myeloid leukemia and some acute leukemias) and other kinases, blocking downstream signaling pathways essential for leukemic cell survival and proliferation. The combination approach leverages complementary mechanisms to improve efficacy in hematologic malignancies.

Approved indications

• Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in combination with chemotherapy
• Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)
• Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with BCR-ABL or other kinase-driven disease

Common side effects

• Myelosuppression (neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Mucositis
• Infection
• Fluid retention
• Muscle cramps
• Hepatotoxicity

Key clinical trials

• A Treatment Study Protocol for Participants 0-45 Years With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (PHASE3)
• A Study Testing the Combination of Dasatinib or Imatinib to Chemotherapy Treatment With Blinatumomab for Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults With Philadelphia Chromosome Positive (Ph+) or ABL-Class Philadelphia Chromosome-Like (Ph-Like) B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B-ALL) (PHASE3)
• Ponatinib Plus Chemotherapy in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Patients (PHASE2)
• Imatinib Mesylate and Combination Chemotherapy in Treating Patients With Newly Diagnosed Philadelphia Chromosome Positive Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (PHASE3)
• Optimization of Therapy in Adult Patients With Newly Diagnosed Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia or Lymphoblastic Lymphoma by Individualised, Targeted and Intensified Treatment (PHASE3)
• A Study of Ponatinib Versus Imatinib in Adults With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (PHASE3)
• A Randomized Phase II Trial Comparing Therapy Based on Tumor Molecular Profiling Versus Conventional Therapy in Patients With Refractory Cancer (PHASE2)
• Flumatinib Versus Imatinib Combined With Chemotherapy for de Novo Ph+ ALL (PHASE4)

Primary sources

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