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Imatinib maintenance

Centre Leon Berard · Phase 3 active Small molecule

Imatinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that blocks BCR-ABL and other oncogenic kinases to prevent cancer cell proliferation.

Imatinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that blocks BCR-ABL and other oncogenic kinases to prevent cancer cell proliferation. Used for Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) maintenance therapy, Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) maintenance therapy.

At a glance

Generic nameImatinib maintenance
Also known asGlivec, Imatinib mésilate
SponsorCentre Leon Berard
Drug classTyrosine kinase inhibitor
TargetBCR-ABL
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaOncology
PhasePhase 3

Mechanism of action

Imatinib selectively inhibits the BCR-ABL fusion protein tyrosine kinase, which is constitutively active in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and drives uncontrolled cell division. By blocking this kinase activity, imatinib induces apoptosis in leukemic cells and restores normal hematopoiesis. Maintenance therapy with imatinib is used to sustain remission and prevent relapse in patients who have achieved response.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

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SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results