A new type of drug known as a signal transduction inhibitor can be used as part of the treatment for people with Philadelphia chromosome positive ALL. It is called imatinib (Glivec®) and is taken as capsules which are swallowed.
Glivec works by blocking (inhibiting) signals within the leukaemia cells that make them become abnormal and continue to grow and divide. Inhibiting the signals makes the cells die.
Glivec may make you feel a bit sick, and sometimes causes diarrhoea. It may also cause leg aches and cramps, rashes, and swelling of the face, especially around the eyes. The side effects are usually mild and treatable.