Cancer drug trial offers hope for rare blood disease

This study is testing whether a drug called imatinib (Gleevec®), which is used for some cancers, can safely and effectively lower dangerously high levels of a specific white blood cell (eosinophils) in people with hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES). HES is a rare condition where too many eosinophils can damage organs like the heart and nerves. The trial will enroll about 70 adults with HES who haven't responded well to standard steroid treatments or who have a specific form of the disease.