Kinase Inhibitors

Kinase inhibitors are a form of targeted drug therapy. The recent development of targeted drug therapies has dramatically improved the treatment for some types of acute lymphocytic leukemia.

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Unlike traditional chemotherapies, targeted drug therapies use chemicals that work on specific cancer cells. Chemotherapies destroy both cancer and normal cells, causing a host of side effects. Targeted drug therapies tend to have fewer side effects than chemotherapy.

Currently there are only a handful of targeted drug therapies approved for leukemia treatment; however, they are a focus of much cancer research and there will likely be many more developed in the future. Examples of kinase inhibitors used to treat ALL include imatinib mesylate (Gleevec); dasatinib (Sprycel) and nilotinib are considered experimental. Kinase inhibitors can be used in combination with chemotherapy drugs.

Possible side effects of Gleevec and Sprycel include diarrhea, nausea, muscle pain, and fatigue, all of which are generally mild. Itchy skin rashes develop in about 30 percent of people on these drugs. Fluid retention can also occur. All of these side effects get worse at high doses of the drug. Patients on Gleevec or Sprycel may have a drop in their red blood cell and platelet counts or increased bleeding. Sometimes the doctor will recommend stopping the drug for a short period if the counts get too low. Eventually, normal blood-forming cells take over, and the blood counts rise back to normal. Women are advised not to become pregnant while taking either drug.

Gleevec and Sprycel are metabolized and eliminated by the liver. There are many drugs, both prescription and over the counter, as well as dietary supplements that can interfere with this process. Tell your doctor about all medicines and supplements you are taking, and check with your doctor before you start any new medicine or supplement when you are taking a kinase inhibitor.