Dasatanib in CLL

A paper in the BJHaem looks at the possibility of using Dasatinib in CLL. As well as antagonising bcr/abl signaling, Dasatanib inhibits Syk phosphorylation with downstream affects on calcium flux, PI3K and MAPkinase activation and the the Mcl-1 inhibition of apoptosis. However, CLL cells can be rescued from these effects by stromal cell contact of by stimulation with CD154L and IL-4. Our old friend 17-DMAG the HSP90 inhibitor restores the effect of Dasatanib. The combination might have promise.