Glivec contains Imatinib, which is a targeted cancer medicine. It belongs to a group called tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). It is mainly used to treat certain blood cancers and tumors that grow due to abnormal proteins.

Mechanism
Imatinib works by blocking BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase, an abnormal protein made by the Philadelphia chromosome in some blood cancers. This protein makes cancer cells grow uncontrollably. By blocking it, Glivec slows down or stops cancer cell growth.
It also blocks other proteins like c-KIT and PDGFR, which are involved in some other cancers.

Uses

• Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)

• Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) with Philadelphia chromosome

• Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST)

• Other rare cancers like dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP)

Adverse Effects
Common side effects:

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

• Swelling (around eyes, ankles)

• Muscle cramps, joint pain

• Skin rash, itching

• Tiredness, headache