Gleevec^®

Indicated for treatment of several different forms of cancer, Gleevec^® inhibits the growth of cancer cells by targeting a certain protein in the body responsible for causing Philadelphia chromosome positive chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph+ CML), called the Bcr-Abl protein. Gleevec^® also targets Kit, a protein which is thought to cause gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). In addition to proteins associated with causing Kit-positive GIST and Ph+ CML, Gleevec^® can also target other proteins responsible for the growth of cancer cells.

At Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), your team of cancer specialists will work together to determine if Gleevec^® is the right treatment option for you. Through an integrated process of communication, assessment, education, planning, and support for your specific health needs, an individualized plan of treatment will be developed to help fight your cancer on all fronts.

Chat now with an Oncology Information Specialist at CTCA to learn more about our individualized approach to cancer treatment.

Patients undergoing Gleevec^® treatment have experienced the following serious side effects:

• Severe fluid retention
• Depleted levels of specific types of blood cells
• Heart failure
• Liver problems
• Allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips, tongue, face or throat, or hives)
• Skin blistering
• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Loss of appetite
• Dark urine
• Flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, body aches)
• Black, bloody, or tarry stools
• Coughing up blood
• Emitting a substance similar in appearance to coffee grounds
• Easy bleeding or bruising
• Swelling, rapid weight gain
• Sudden, severe headache or pain behind the eyes
• Shortness of breath
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)

Other less serious side effects are also more commonly associated with Gleevec^® treatment:

• Nausea, upset stomach, diarrhea, gas, vomiting
• Muscle or joint pain
• Skin rash
• Headache or dizziness
• Stuffy nose, cough, sore throat
• Insomnia
• Depression
• Fatigue

It is important to note that these are not all of the side effects associated with Gleevec^® treatment. At Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), your team of cancer experts will monitor your treatment closely and will take the necessary precautions to prevent serious complications from occurring. During your cancer treatment at CTCA, you will remain well informed regarding all potential treatment options. All expectations during and after Gleevec^® treatment, as well as treatment with other medications, will be discussed with you in detail.

Gleevec^® is indicated for the treatment of newly diagnosed adult patients with Philadelphia chromosome positive chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph+ CML) in chronic phase. Gleevec^® is also used in treating patients with Ph+ CML in blast crisis, accelerated phase, or in chronic phase when the use of interferon-alpha therapy has failed.

Gleevec^® works by preventing the formation of new, abnormal white blood cells by blocking signals given by Bcr-Abl, an irregular protein responsible for the underlying cause of Ph+ CML.

Gleevec^® is also indicated for the treatment of Kit (CD117) positive gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) that have spread from their original location to other areas of the body. In addition, Gleevec^® is indicated for treatment of GIST when surgery cannot be performed.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors typically form as a result of gene mutation. When this gene, called Kit, mutates to form an abnormal protein, this Kit protein sends signals which result in rapid multiplication of cells, thus forming a tumor. Gleevec^® works by stopping this signal from reaching cells, preventing the growth of cancerous GIST cells.

As part of your individualized cancer treatment plan at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), your team of specialists will work together with you to determine if Gleevec^® is the right treatment option for you. To learn more about our unique approach to cancer treatment, contact one of our Oncology Information Specialists today at 1-1-800-615-3055.