Abstract: | STI571 selectively inhibits the ABL-tyrosine kinase, the activity of which is activated by the formation of chimeric BCR/ABL. A phase I study in the USA showed STI571 to be remarkably effective in cases of interferon-refractory chronic myeloid leukemia, with almost no adverse effects. STI571 may become the first choice drug prior to stem cell transplantation and interferon treatment. |