nilotinib + imatinib

Nilotinib + imatinib is a combination of two small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors used primarily in the treatment of Philadelphia chromosome–positive leukemias, such as chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Both drugs target the BCR-ABL fusion protein, a constitutively active tyrosine kinase driving malignant cell proliferation. Imatinib was the first-in-class BCR-ABL inhibitor and is widely used as first-line therapy for CML. Nilotinib was developed to overcome resistance and intolerance to imatinib; it binds with higher affinity to the ATP-binding site of BCR-ABL and inhibits several other kinases including KIT and PDGFR. Preclinical studies have shown that combining nilotinib with imatinib can result in additive or synergistic cytotoxic effects against both sensitive and resistant BCR-ABL–expressing cells[1][4][6]. This combination may be considered for patients with advanced-phase CML or those who have developed resistance to monotherapy.

Brand names

TasignaDanzitenGleevecGlivecImkeldi

Other names

nilotinib + imatinib