Image for Gleevec

Gleevec

Gleevec, also known as imatinib, is a groundbreaking medication primarily used to treat certain types of cancer, such as chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). It works by specifically targeting and inhibiting an abnormal protein produced by cancer cells, which helps control their growth and spread. Gleevec has significantly improved the prognosis for patients with these conditions, transforming what was once a deadly diagnosis into a manageable chronic disease for many. By blocking the cancer's growth signals, Gleevec allows for better survival rates and a better quality of life for patients.