Imatishiv contains Imatinib, an oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) used primarily for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), and certain other cancers. Imatinib specifically targets abnormal tyrosine kinases that drive cancer cell proliferation, helping to slow tumor growth and improve survival.

Mechanism of Action

• Imatinib inhibits the BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase, a fusion protein responsible for uncontrolled growth in CML.

• It also inhibits c-KIT and PDGFR kinases, which are involved in gastrointestinal stromal tumors and other malignancies.

• By blocking these enzymes, Imatinib prevents cancer cell proliferation and induces apoptosis (programmed cell death).

  Uses

  • Treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in chronic, accelerated, or blast phases.

  • Treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL).

  • Treatment of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) that are c-KIT positive.

  • Sometimes used in other cancers involving PDGFR or c-KIT abnormalities.

    Adverse Effects

    • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

    • Fatigue, headache

    • Muscle cramps or joint pain

    • Rash or mild skin reactions