What is a common gastrointestinal side effect of Gleevec?

Diarrhea is a well-documented gastrointestinal side effect associated with Gleevec (imatinib), which is primarily used to treat certain kinds of cancers, such as chronic myeloid leukemia and gastrointestinal stromal tumors. The mechanism behind this side effect involves Gleevec's effects on the gastrointestinal tract, likely due to its action on various cellular pathways that can stimulate gut motility. As a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, it can interfere with cell signaling pathways that are involved in the regulation of the digestive system, leading to increased bowel movements.

Additionally, clinical reports and studies have consistently identified diarrhea as one of the more prevalent adverse effects experienced by patients taking this medication. While other gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, abdominal cramping, and constipation can occur, diarrhea is especially noted for its frequency and can sometimes be moderate to severe, affecting the patient's quality of life and necessitating management strategies during treatment.