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First approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2001, Gleevec is an effective treatment for all phases of Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph+ CML), including:

• Chronic phase—the earliest stage of CML
• Accelerated phase—when CML begins to get worse
• Blast phase—the advanced stage of CML

Gleevec is indicated for the treatment of newly diagnosed adult and pediatric patients with Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph+ CML) in chronic phase. Follow-up is limited. Gleevec is also indicated for the treatment of pediatric patients with Ph+ chronic phase CML whose disease has recurred after stem cell transplant or who are resistant to interferon-alpha therapy. There are no controlled trials in pediatric patients demonstrating a clinical benefit, such as improvement in disease-related symptoms or increased survival.

Gleevec is a unique treatment designed to target the underlying cause of CML—the Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome. The Ph chromosome produces an abnormal protein that tells your bone marrow to keep making abnormal white blood cells, which are leukemia cells. Gleevec blocks the signal given by this abnormal protein. This should stop new leukemia cells from forming.

Gleevec is available in a tablet form that you take by mouth, instead of by injection. This makes treatment with Gleevec convenient. To get the most benefit from your treatment with Gleevec, be sure to take it exactly as your doctor prescribes.

However, Gleevec can also target other proteins not involved in causing Ph+ CML or Kit-positive GIST.