mutations and resistance

[Guest guest]

Hi, everyone. I'll be seeing a new doctor on Weds, a colleague of my

current dr, to discuss changing meds. I need some help understanding

gleevec resistance and mutations. My Dr believes I am " failing "

gleevec, but that we don't need to do the mutation test. She believes

that since I did well on gleevec for 3 years, I could not have a

mutation. I had assumed that the mutations were acquired--an

adaptation/evolutionary thing. Perhaps we are both right. I really

want to push for this mutation test, so any information that would help

me plead my case is appreciated. Without a mutation present, how do

you explain gleevec " resistance? " And finally, I know each new drug

binds well to specific mutations. Without that guideline, how do you

choose which drug to use? I now she's leaning toward dasatinib.

Thanks for your help--have a great day!