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Additional mutations. A very small number of people are
developing additional clonal mutations after reaching remission
while on imatinib mesylate (IM, Gleevec, Glivec) for CML. In some
cases, people developed features of myelodysplastic disorder.
Because of these new developments, you should continue to have
regular bone marrow biopsies even after you reach remission. Some
CML experts recommend a bone marrow every six months. If your doctor
does not recommend bone marrows, make sure she is aware of these new
findings.
Depression. Oregon Health Sciences University (OHSU), a
leading U.S. CML facility, is cautioning patients that imatinib
mesylate might be associated with symptoms of depression. OHSU
doctors have sent a letter to CML patients in IM clinical trials
advising of this possible new adverse effect. The letter states, in
part, "the study drug [IM] may cause feelings of drpression,
confusion and agitation, and may increase abnormal behavior in
patients who have a history of psychiatric disorders. There has been
one report of a suicide attempt in a subject who was taking the
study drug. While the attempt cannot be attributed with certainty to
the study drug, those who reviewed the case stated that it was
possibly related." If you feel you might be depressed, it's
important to talk to your doctor. Depression is treatable.
Learn
more about depression and its treatments.
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