imatinib mesylate + gemcitabine

A combination therapy consisting of imatinib mesylate (also known as Gleevec), a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that targets specific receptors including PDGFR-β and c-KIT, and gemcitabine, a nucleoside analog used in chemotherapy. The scientific rationale for combining these drugs stems from preclinical models showing that imatinib mesylate inhibits PDGFR, which reduces tumor interstitial fluid pressure. This reduction potentially allows for improved penetration of chemotherapy agents like gemcitabine into tumor tissue. In pre-clinical studies, the combination demonstrated further tumor growth inhibition and improved survival compared to gemcitabine alone.

Brand names

GleevecGemzar

Other names

gemcitabine and imatinib mesylate