Dasatinib: Treatment for CML and Ph+ ALL
Dasatinib is a potent, second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) used in the treatment of specific types of blood cancer. It works by inhibiting the BCR-ABL fusion protein and the SRC family kinases, which are responsible for the overproduction of abnormal white blood cells.
Dasatinib is highly effective, even in patients who have developed resistance or intolerance to other treatments like imatinib. It is a cornerstone of modern targeted therapy for chronic myeloid leukemia.
Indications
- Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML): Newly diagnosed chronic phase CML, or CML in chronic, accelerated, or blast phase with resistance or intolerance to prior therapy.
- Philadelphia Chromosome-positive Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (Ph+ ALL): Treatment for adult and pediatric patients with resistance or intolerance to prior therapy.
Dosage and administration
The dosage is determined by a specialist based on the phase of the disease.
- Chronic Phase CML: Typically 100 mg orally once daily.
- Accelerated or Blast Phase CML / Ph+ ALL: Typically 140 mg orally once daily.
- Administration: Tablets should be swallowed whole. Do not crush or cut. Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice.
- Drug Interaction: Avoid H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). If antacids are needed, take them at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after the dasatinib dose.
- Hypersensitivity to dasatinib.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding (highly teratogenic).
- Concomitant use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (requires dose adjustment).
Close monitoring of blood counts and pulmonary symptoms is required:
- Fluid Retention: Edema and pleural effusion (fluid around the lungs). Report sudden shortness of breath immediately.
- Hematologic: Myelosuppression (low white blood cell and platelet counts).
- Gastrointestinal: Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
- Other: Headache, fatigue, and muscle pain.
List of medicines by active substance Dasatinib
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