Researchers tested the effects of imatinib in mice and on human bone marrow cells in vitro to examine new clinical applications for the drug. Imatinib, commercially known as Gleevec, is typically used as a “targeted therapy” for certain types of chronic cancer, like chronic myelogenous leukemia and gastrointestinal stromal tumors.
The findings suggest imatinib and related drugs may help treat a wide variety of infections, including those that are resistant to antibiotics, or in patients who have weakened immune systems.
Imatinib — when used in subclinical doses — can help fight infections by stimulating the bone marrow to make more neutrophils and macrophages, two immune cells that are crucial for resisting bacterial infection. Higher doses of the drug, however, can inhibit the process.
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