Imatinib: a new chemopreventive option in adenomatous polyposis?

Abstract

Patients with adenomatous polyposis, usually defined as patients with >10 adenomatous polyps in the colorectum, are at increased risk for colorectal cancer (CRC). Since surgical and endoscopic treatment do not completely eliminate the potential for future polyps or extraintestinal neoplasms, there is an unmet medical need to identify pharmacological agents to delay major surgical interventions. We present two cases of patients with adenomatous polyposis who developed chronic myelogenous leukaemia and were treated with imatinib as part of their chemotherapy. A sustained regression of the colonic polyps documented in both cases was observed after the initiation of the tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Despite the presence of potential confounders, we hypothesise the potential role of imatinib as a chemopreventive agent in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis.

• Authors: Angelica Tobon, Pol Olivas, Teresa Ocaña, María Pellisé, Francesc Balaguer
• Journal: BMJ open gastroenterology (BMJ Open Gastroenterol) Vol. 7 Issue 1 (12 2020) ISSN: 2054-4774 [Print] England
• PMID: 33376108 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: © Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2020. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.

Chemical References

• Imatinib Mesylate

Topics

• Adenomatous Polyposis Coli (drug therapy)
• Humans
• Imatinib Mesylate (therapeutic use)
• Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive (drug therapy)