4 replies to this topic

[BPilgrim]

Does anyone know what a Metabolite Level of  239 ng/ml means on a Gleevec Blood Level test?

My Gleevec Level was 1260 ng/ml on the same test.

Thanks.

[Trey]

Your Gleevec level is OK.  You would need to ask what standard is used, but I believe the metabolite levels are usually about 20 - 25% of the total Gleevec level, so yours seems fine.

Gleevec (Imatinib Mesylate) is the name for the whole "drug", although it is the metabolite that usually does the actual work.  The Gleevec gets into the blood but then the liver breaks it down into a primary metabolite called CGP74588.  The metabolite has a somewhat longer half life than the full drug (maybe 10% longer). 

Here is an article by the GIST group about the issue:

http://www.liferaftg...ec is best.html

[pamsouth]

Why would you have a Gleevec level test for metabolic? I am in the dark here, never heard of it and not sure I understand it.

Never mind I see Trey posted a link, Thanks.

PamSouth

[BPilgrim]

Thanks.  I was hoping the results would offer me a clearer path to dosage reduction, but the numbers aren't that far off from the 1000 ng/ml target.  Did you know your levels before your reduced your dosage?  Or did you base it on other factors?

[Trey]

I never had a blood level test.  I based my dose reduction (after 3 years PCRU) on the fact that I was a very quick responder.  I think that tells the story better than anything else.