Description: Gleevec, the drug that has shown significant results in prolonging the life of adult leukemia patients, is demonstrating its effectiveness in children with certain types of the malignant blood disease, scientists announced Sunday.

Researchers from the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) Cancer Institute reported at the annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology in Atlanta that Gleevec has been shown to improve outcomes for children with Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL), according to a university news release

Additionally, the drug, which was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2001, continues to demonstrate its effectiveness in prolonging the lives of adult leukemia patients, the OHSU statement said.

Because the drug is relatively new, its effectiveness is under constant review, and the latest data indicate that patients taking Gleevec for six years haven't moved to the advanced stage of the cancer.

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