Gleevec for Rheumatoid Arthritis

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- For many years, only the pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis (RA) could be treated and not the deterioration of the joints caused by inflammation. Now, researchers report a new way to stop the progression of the disease.

Researchers from Stanford University report imatinib mesylate (Gleevec, Novartis) is effective at stopping the progression of a RA-like disease in mice.

They say there needs to be more research before this treatment can be recommended for humans. However, there are two documented cases of humans taking Gleevec to treat their cancer and showing an improvement in their RA.

Doctors often prescribe Gleevec to treat people with chronic myelogenous leukemia or gastrointestinal stromal tumors, but doctors have not measured its effect on RA before now.

RA causes inflammation in joint linings, which wipes out surrounding cartilage and bone. Many people with the disease require constant pain management. Some sufferers require multiple joint replacements.

Researchers report when they gave Gleevec to mice with the RA-like disease, it prevented the start of the disease and halted its progression if it was already underway.

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SOURCE: Journal of Clinical Investigation, 2006;doi:10.1172