Scientific letters
Chakalaka-induced vasodilatation in patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia on tyrosine kinase inhibitors
Marius J Coetzee, Vernon J Louw, Kevin Gartrell, Chris D Viljoen
Abstract
The tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are a new group of drugs providing targeted therapy for chronic myeloid leukaemia. They vastly increase survival, but compliance is an issue because they cause vasodilatation as a side-effect. In our experience spices, especially the African sauce or relish chakalaka (that contains garlic and chilli), may aggravate the vasodilatation induced by TKIs. These spices produce serious oedema and headaches. We have found that stopping the intake of spice allows some patients to maintain therapeutic doses of TKIs. This has been confirmed and put into practice by a growing number of South African haematologists. As spice that contains chilli and garlic is used by a large proportion of our South African (and the world) population, this observation is significant in that it can help to prevent the ‘compliance decay’ associated with TKI therapy, which adversely affects patient survival.
Authors' affiliations
Marius J Coetzee, SAMA member
Vernon J Louw, SAMA member
Kevin Gartrell,
Chris D Viljoen,
Keywords
Chronic myeloid leukaemia; Imatinib; Vasodilation; Adverse event; Tyrosine kinase inhibitors; Edema
Cite this article
South African Medical Journal 2009;99(12):870-871.
Article History
Date submitted: 2008-08-30
Date published: 2009-12-07
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