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Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Pre-clinical Evaluation of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors for Treatment of Acute Leukemia
Published on: September 18, 2013
How tyrosine kinase inhibitors impair metabolism and endocrine system function: a systematic updated review
Massimo Breccia1, Matteo Molica1, Giuliana Alimena1
1Department of Cellular Biotechnologies and Hematology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.
Abstract:
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) advent has deeply changed the outcome of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients, with improved rates of response and overall survival. However, for this success some patients paid the price of a number of peculiar side effects, the so-called off-target side effects, specific for each one TKI. These effects are due to non-selective inhibition of other tyrosine kinase receptors, such as PDGFR, c-KIT, Src, VEGF. Consequences of this inhibition, some metabolic changes during the treatment with TKIs are reported. Aim of present review is to report metabolic changes and potential mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis related to imatinib, second (nilotinib and dasatinib) and third generation (bosutinib and ponatinib) TKIs.
Insights
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) improve chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) outcomes but cause off-target side effects. This review details metabolic changes and mechanisms linked to TKIs like imatinib and newer generations.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have revolutionized chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) treatment, significantly improving patient response and survival rates.
- Despite their efficacy, TKIs can cause specific off-target side effects due to the inhibition of various tyrosine kinase receptors (e.g., PDGFR, c-KIT, Src, VEGF).
- These off-target effects can lead to notable metabolic alterations in patients undergoing TKI therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively review the metabolic changes associated with TKI treatment in CML.
- To explore the potential underlying mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of these TKI-induced metabolic alterations.
- To focus on imatinib, second-generation (nilotinib, dasatinib), and third-generation (bosutinib, ponatinib) TKIs.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating TKI side effects and metabolic changes in CML patients.
- Analysis of preclinical and clinical data on the mechanisms of off-target inhibition by various TKIs.
- Synthesis of information regarding specific metabolic pathways affected by imatinib, nilotinib, dasatinib, bosutinib, and ponatinib.
Main Results:
- TKIs targeting BCR-ABL in CML can inhibit other kinases, leading to diverse metabolic consequences.
- Reported metabolic changes include alterations in lipid metabolism, glucose homeostasis, and potential effects on bone and cardiovascular health.
- The specific profile of metabolic side effects varies depending on the TKI's selectivity and off-target inhibition profile.
Conclusions:
- Metabolic changes are a significant class of off-target side effects associated with TKIs used in CML treatment.
- Understanding these metabolic alterations and their mechanisms is crucial for managing patient health and optimizing TKI therapy.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the long-term metabolic impact and develop targeted management strategies.
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