Common brand names

• Sprycel

How it is administered

Dasatinib is taken by mouth in the form of tablets. The tablets should be swallowed whole and not crushed, cut, or chewed. They can be taken with or without food, either in the morning or evening. For pediatric patients, the dose is based on body weight and should also be swallowed whole. If a dose is missed, take the next scheduled dose at its regular time; do not take two doses at once.

How it works

Dasatinib is a type of medicine known as a kinase inhibitor. It works by blocking specific proteins called kinases that are involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. In particular, dasatinib targets the BCR-ABL protein, which is produced by cells with the Philadelphia chromosome—a genetic abnormality found in some blood cancers like Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL) and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).

By blocking these kinases, dasatinib helps to stop cancer cells from growing and multiplying. It can also overcome resistance to other similar drugs, such as imatinib, by targeting additional proteins involved in cancer cell survival. This makes it effective for patients whose disease has not responded to other treatments.

Who should take it

Dasatinib is used to treat both adults and children (1 year of age and older) with certain types of blood cancers. Specifically, it is indicated for:

• Newly diagnosed Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in children, in combination with chemotherapy.
• Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in chronic phase, both in adults and children.
• Adults with chronic, accelerated, or blast phase Ph+ CML who are resistant or intolerant to prior therapy, including imatinib.
• Adults with Ph+ ALL who are resistant or intolerant to prior therapy.

For lymphoblastic lymphoma, if it is Philadelphia chromosome-positive, dasatinib may be considered as part of the treatment plan, especially if other therapies have not worked.

Who should not take it

There are no absolute contraindications listed for dasatinib, but certain patients should use caution or avoid it:

• Pregnant women: Dasatinib can cause harm to an unborn baby. Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should not take dasatinib.
• Patients with a history of severe allergic reactions to dasatinib or any of its ingredients.

Caution is also advised in patients with significant liver problems, heart issues, or those at risk for bleeding or fluid retention. Always discuss your full medical history with your doctor before starting dasatinib.

Commonly used with

For Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL), dasatinib is commonly used in combination with chemotherapy in children. In adults, it may be used alone or with other supportive medications depending on the treatment protocol and disease phase.

It may also be used alongside medications to manage side effects, such as anti-nausea drugs, antibiotics, or medications to support blood counts.

Commonly tested with

Dasatinib has been studied in combination with multi-agent chemotherapy regimens for pediatric Ph+ ALL. In clinical trials, it has also been compared to or used after other tyrosine kinase inhibitors like imatinib, especially in patients who have not responded to previous treatments.

It is often tested with supportive care medications to manage side effects, and in some studies, its effectiveness is compared to other kinase inhibitors.