imatinib (Gleevec)

Imatinib (Gleevec) is a targeted cancer medication primarily used to treat certain types of blood cancers such as chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and some gastrointestinal tumors. It works by blocking specific proteins that promote cancer cell growth and division, effectively stopping the disease from progressing. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which affects both healthy and cancerous cells, imatinib specifically targets cancer cells harboring abnormal proteins, often leading to fewer side effects. It is typically taken as a daily pill and has significantly improved outcomes for patients with these cancers.