Imatinib Mesylate in the Treatment of Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia

Imatinib mesylate is a novel drug which targets the molecular level in chronic myeloid leukaemia. The response rates in various studies were very impressive. There is no study of efficacy and adverse effects of imatinib mesylate in our local patients. It is generally believed that these would be similar to that of Western patients. However, physical and genetic differences may influence the effects of imatinib mesylate in Asian patients.