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Immunotoxins: The Next Generation
New Cancer-Related Mutations Found in Breast & Colon Cancers
News from the AACR’s Molecular Diagnostics in Cancer Therapeutic Development Meeting
News from the AACR’s Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research Meeting
Panitumumab approved for metastatic colorectal carcinoma
Bevacizumab use expanded to lung cancer
Histone deactylase inhibitor, vorinostat, now available
Trastuzumab expanded to adjuvant use in breast cancer
Imatinib: New uses approved, cardiac warning issued
Targeted mouse models useful in testing novel anticancer agents
Reviewed by Nicholas J. Vogelzang, MD
Early in November 2006, the US Food and Drug Administration approved the use of imatinib for 5 additional diseases:
Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans
Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Certain forms of myelodysplastic syndrome and myeloproliferative disorders
Hypereosinophilic syndrome/chronic eosinophilic leukemia
Aggressive systemic mastocytosis
Imatinib previously has been approved for use in patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia and gastrointestinal stromal tumor.
In a recent communication to physicians, the manufacturer of imatinib and the FDA warned that the drug may be linked to the development of congestive heart failure. At risk are older patients with pre-existing medical conditions and risk factors for cardiac disease. Patients should be monitored for signs of congestive heart failure, which can include shortness of breath, persistent cough or wheezing, and fluid retention that may cause swelling of the abdomen or legs. Other symptoms are fatigue, lack of appetite, nausea, confusion, and increased heart rate.
Imatinib (Gleevec®) is available from Novartis Oncology. Additional information can be found at www.gleevec.com.
New Uses and Warning for Imatinib
File name: atct_v4n4RP_rr05.pdf
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