Popular Cancer Drug Linked to Heart Failure
The cancer drug Gleevec could damage the heart. A study confirming this was conducted following reports that 10 leukemia patients taking Gleevec developed severe congestive heart failure. The study found that the drug kills heart muscle cells.
Novartis: More Studies Needed
Gleevec (also sold under the name Glivec) had worldwide sales of $1.2 billion in the first six months of 2006. The manufacturer, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp., argued that further research was needed to fully understand the potential dangers.
Doctors Need to be AwareThe author of the study stated that he wanted to call attention to the dangers of Gleevec and similar drugs, so that doctors would be alerted to the possible problems.
Nature.com July 23, 2006
Chicago Sun-Times July 24, 2006
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