Dasatinib treatment for Philadelphia chromosome-positive leukemias: practical considerations.

Dasatinib is a highly potent Bcr-Abl inhibitor that is approved for the treatment of imatinib-resistant or -intolerant chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Across a series of phase 2 and 3 trials, dasatinib was associated with durable treatment responses in all phases of the disease and was well tolerated. For this article, the authors reviewed available information on specific side effects associated with the use of dasatinib. On the basis of more than 2 years' experience of dasatinib treatment during clinical trials, they provide practical recommendations for side-effect management.