Gleevec (Imatinib) is a representative of the newest generation of cancer drugs. The substance conveys its potent anti-proliferative effect by selectively supressing the tyrosine kinase pathway. The Giessen lung researchers now issue a first report of this substance as a new target therapy for pulmonary hypertension.
In cancer, tissue proliferation is uncontrolled and leads to the spreading of the tumor," primary investigator Prof. Friedrich Grimminger of the University of Giessen Lung Center explained. "In pulmonary hypertension, also, uncontrolled growth of the vascular wall is the underlying mechanism of the disease." Pulmonary hypertension is a chronic and life-shortening vascular disease characterized by high pressure in the lung blood vessels. The relatively common condition can occur for many reasons such as heart disease and various acute and chronic lung ailments. As a result, the pulmonary arteries thicken and stiffen, causing high blood pressure and right heart hypertrophy.