Are the effects of imatinib on bone observable on CT or bone scan or other imaging techniques?
We have not seen signs of increased osteoporosis in people on imatinib, but then again we haven’t looked specifically. There is not a drastic increase in fracture rate on imatinib, as best as can be determined, but without data from people on imatinib followed in a prospective fashion, it is hard to know if there is some degree of sub-clinical osteoporosis. 5. What additional research is needed in this area? We don’t know what happens from the start of imatinib with respect to bone metabolism and function. Dr. Berman is putting together a study of people on imatinib to follow changes in their bone metabolism over time. We’ll hopefully be able to gather more information over the next few years on this issue.
