Gleevec Holds Promise as Treatment for Scleroderma

Gleevec, a medication originally developed to treat leukemia, has been shown to have an effect on inflammation. The potential benefit could lead to the development of Gleevec as a treatment for autoimmune diseases and researchers are studying that possibility. Researchers have already found evidence that Gleevec, generic drug name imatinib, could reverse diabetes in mice by blocking PDGFR (platelet-derived growth factor receptor) -- a receptor that functions within a signaling system that regulates cell growth and inflammation. Research also has shown that PDGFR plays a significant role in the development of scleroderma.

There are now at least 5 studies, led by Dr. Daniel Furst (a professor of rheumatology at the University of California at Los Angeles), assessing the safety and efficacy of Gleevec as a treatment for scleroderma. This is of great significance to scleroderma patients who have lacked an effective treatment for the disease. There is currently no treatment for scleroderma at the cellular level. Patients are now treated to relieve symptoms and lessen discomfort -- so a treatment that would target the disease process would be a huge advancement.

Related Resources:

• Guide to Scleroderma
• Scleroderma Screening Quiz
• Inflammation: The Battle Within
• Fast Facts About Scleroderma
• Scleroderma - Test Your Knowledge

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