Gleevec for Acute Stroke?

Several years ago Gleevec was launched for the treatment of chronic myelocytic leukemia (CML). Within a short while this powerful compound gained a reputation as a miracle drug, especially after it was shown to halt the growth of the cancerous cells in CML. Its use is now widespread, and has become a standard treatment for CML and other cancers. But that's not all for gleevec, as a new study shows that its mechanism of action can enhance the function of tPA, a potent medication for the treatment of stroke.

This potentially beneficial effect of gleevec is based on its ability to block PDGF-CC, a molecule that can cause blood vessels to bleed when tPA is used for the treatment of stroke. Animal studies now show that Gleevec blocks the interaction between tPA and PDGF-CC, and decreases the chances that tPA can cause bleeding. Furthermore, gleevec also decreases brain swelling in stroke, suggesting that the combination of tPA and gleevec can have a double benefit for the treatment of acute stroke.

This is great news. Hopefully, future trials in humans will confirm these findings, so that the benefits of gleevec can be extended to stroke patients.

Recommended reading:
What is tPA
Too late for tPA
The Three Hour Window for tPA Treatment