Must-read for patients: Detailed analysis of the efficacy and role of bosutinib

Bosutinib is an oral drug widely used to treat chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). It can be used in newly diagnosed chronic myelogenous leukemia and in patients who are intolerant or refractory to other treatment options. Bosutinib belongs to a class of drugs called tyrosine kinase inhibitors. It blocks the growth and spread of these abnormally proliferating leukemia cells by inhibiting a specific tyrosine kinase (ABL kinase) in leukemia cells.

Unlike imatinib and dasatinib, bosutinib does not significantly inhibit KIT or PDGFR, which may be associated with toxicities such as myelosuppression and pleural effusion, respectively. Through its dual inhibitory effect, bosutinib is a more potent Bcr-Abl tyrosine kinase inhibitor than imatinib in untreated CML patients. Bosutinib has the effect of inhibiting CML cell proliferation and promoting cell apoptosis (self-death), thereby effectively controlling the progression of chronic myeloid leukemia. Compared with other inhibitors, bosutinib has broader coverage against certain ABL mutants and therefore performs better in terms of drug resistance.

The original drug of bosutinib is not marketed in the country and therefore cannot be included in medical insurance. Currently, there are Turkish version and European version of the original drug sold overseas. The price of the Turkish version of 500mg*28 per box may be more than 2,000 RMB, and the price of the European version may be more than 30,000 RMB (the price may fluctuate due to the exchange rate). There are also bosutinib generic drugs produced in other countries overseas. The drug ingredients are basically the same as those of the original drug. The price of each box of 500mg*30 may be more than 2,000 yuan (the price may fluctuate due to the exchange rate), and the price is relatively cheap.