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Gleevec works by affecting the underlying cause of most cases of CML—the Ph chromosome.* The Ph chromosome produces an abnormal protein, called the
Bcr-Abl protein, that tells the bone marrow to keep making abnormal white blood cells. Gleevec blocks the signal given by this protein. This should stop new abnormal cells from forming. However, Gleevec can also target other proteins not involved in causing Ph+ CML or Kit-positive GIST.

Gleevec works best when you take it every day as your doctor prescribes. If you stop taking Gleevec or lower your dose, the signal blocked by Gleevec may resume. That means your body may begin making abnormal white blood cells again.

How Ph+ CML starts

Cell with Ph chromosome creates a signal that causes too many abnormal white blood cells to be made.

Normal red blood cells and platelets are crowded out and may not grow in healthy numbers.

After successful treatment with Gleevec

Gleevec turns off the signal produced by the Ph chromosome.

Abnormal cells die, and normal cells can grow in healthy numbers.

Please note that not all patients receiving Gleevec will respond as shown.

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