Sprycel (dasatinib) is a prescription medication that is used to treat certain types of leukemia. It is an oral cancer drug known as a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that works by blocking enzymes involved in the growth of cancer cells.
Approved Uses and Indications
Sprycel has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of the following conditions:
– Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in the chronic, accelerated or blast phase. It is used for both newly diagnosed CML as well as CML that is resistant or intolerant to other treatments like Gleevec.
– Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL). Sprycel is used for adults with this condition when their cancer has returned or they cannot tolerate other chemotherapy treatments.
How Sprycel Works
Sprycel works by targeting and blocking proteins called tyrosine kinases which are involved in cancer cell signaling pathways promoting uncontrolled cell growth. Specifically, it inhibits the Bcr-Abl tyrosine kinase which is formed from the Philadelphia chromosome genetic mutation seen in CML and Ph+ ALL patients.
By blocking this kinase, Sprycel stops signals that tell cancer cells to grow and multiply out of control. It induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells, helping to slow or stop the progression of the disease.
Dosage and Administration
The typical dosage of Sprycel depends on the type and phase of the cancer being treated as well as other factors like a patient’s age, organ function and response to treatment.
For newly diagnosed CML in chronic phase, the standard starting dose is 100mg once daily. For accelerated or blast phase CML or relapsed/resistant chronic phase disease, the starting dose is 140mg once daily.
In Ph+ ALL, the recommended starting dose is 100mg twice daily. Doses may be adjusted up or down based on how a patient tolerates treatment and their response. Sprycel is usually taken with food at about the same time each day.
Potential Side Effects
Like all cancer medications, Sprycel does come with risks of certain side effects occurring due to its effect on rapidly dividing cells. Some of the most common potential side effects include:
– Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation
– Rashes or itching of the skin
– Muscle or joint pain
– Fatigue
– Headaches
– Low blood cell counts (anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia)
– Liver function changes
– Fluid retention
Monitoring blood counts and liver function periodically is important while on Sprycel treatment to watch for any potential side effects and manage them as needed. Most side effects are generally mild-to-moderate in severity but some severe cases requiring dose adjustments or discontinuation can occur.
Patient Support and Use with Other Therapies
The drug manufacturer Bristol-Myers Squibb offers a comprehensive patient support program called Sprycel Connect to help eligible patients access treatment. This includes insurance verification assistance, co-pay assistance for eligible commercially insured patients, and providing Sprycel at no cost to eligible uninsured patients.
Sprycel may also be used in combination with other anti-cancer therapies for some indications. For example, it is often used together with chemotherapy in the treatment of Ph+ ALL. Close monitoring by an oncologist is important when using Sprycel along with other cancer drugs to manage any drug interactions or cumulative side effects.
Effectiveness and Ongoing Research
Clinical studies have shown Sprycel to be highly effective for treating CML and Ph+ ALL. For newly diagnosed CML in chronic phase, an estimated 75% of patients maintain a deep molecular response after 5-6 years on Sprycel. It also provides durable responses in relapsed/resistant and accelerated or blast phase disease.
Ongoing research is further exploring the use of Sprycel in combination with other targeted therapies or immunotherapies. Studies are also seeking to identify biomarkers to help tailor dosing and optimize outcomes. Additional approved uses for pediatric patients or new indications may emerge as well based on continuing clinical trial results.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it