Gleevec for melanoma with c-KIT mutations

What's exciting about Gleevec?

Gleevec (also known as Imatinib) is a drug developed by Novartis that acts on cancers with C-KIT mutations. It is approved and available for several cancers including chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). In the last few years, results from individual case studies as well as larger clinical trials have provided support for Gleevec being effective in melanoma patients with C-KIT mutations (read more).

What are its side effects?

The most common side effects include low blood counts, nausea and vomiting, edema (swelling of the face, feet, hands), muscle cramps and bone pain, diarrhea, hemorrhage, skin rash and fever. A rare, but potentially serious side effect of Gleevec is liver toxicity.

How can I get access to Gleevec?

Gleevec is available by prescription for cancers such as CML and GISTs. It may also be available by doctor's prescription for melanoma though reimbursement by insurance will depend on your individual policy. Alternatively, you could enroll in one of several clinical trials that are evaluating effectiveness of Gleevec in melanoma patients (see table below).