Imatinib mesylate: A designer drug.

Molecularly targeted therapy is a novel approach in cancer treatment. Imatinib, a specific tyrosine kinase inhibitor, since its inception in 1990s, has become the first-line drug in management of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) chronic phase. It has also shown promising results in treatment of gastro-intestinal stromal tumors, clonal eosinophilic disorders and Philadelphia chromosome positive acute lymphatic leukemia. The efficacy of imatinib has geared up further research into development of designer drugs with molecular targets. This review gives a comprehensive description of the development, biology, utility, dosing, and limitations of imatinib mesylate.