Imatinib is known as a signal transductase inhibitor, because it blocks the 'grow' signal. The chemical it blocks is called tyrosine kinase, so imatinib is also known as a tyrosine kinase inhibitor.

Indications: chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML), and a rare type of cancer known as gastro-intestinal stromal tumour (GIST).

Cautions: pregnancy

Contra-indications: breast feeding

Side effect: Most common side effects include Nausea, Diarrhoea, Headaches, Leg aches/cramps, Fluid retention, Visual disturbances, Itchy rash, Lowered resistance to infection due to leucopenia, reduced platelets, Anaemia, Loss of appetite, abdominal pain, myalgia, gynaecomastia.

Dose: 400 to 800mg daily given as single dose with meals with lot of fluids.