Acute renal failure secondary to imatinib mesylate treatment in chronic myeloid leukemia

A 58-year-old woman with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), and previous intolerance to interferon was treated with the BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase protein inhibitor imatinib mesylate. Coincidentally, with the start of treatment, the patient developed acute renal failure, with acute tubular necrosis being observed on histopathology. Imatinib was stopped and three hemodialysis sessions were performed, which was followed by a progressive improvement of the renal function and normalization of the urine output. One year later the patient still has mild chronic renal failure and remains in chronic phase of CML on hydroxyurea treatment.