Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia

4 medicines

Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) is a blood cancer driven by the BCR-ABL gene fusion, treated with targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors such as imatinib.

Gleevec

Imatinib

100/400mg

Gleevec is a oncology medication containing Imatinib, available as 100/400mg tablets.

from $3.89 / tablet View

Hydrea

Hydroxycarbamide

500mg

Hydrea is a oncology medication containing Hydroxycarbamide, available as 500mg tablets.

from $2.17 / tablet View

Sprycel

Dasatinib

50mg

Sprycel is a oncology medication containing Dasatinib, available as 50mg bottles.

from $144.50 / bottle View

Tasigna

Nilotinib

150/200mg

Tasigna is a oncology medication containing Nilotinib, available as 150/200mg tablets.

from $12.75 / tablet View

Key facts

  • Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) is a blood cancer that starts in the bone marrow, where a genetic rearrangement called the Philadelphia chromosome drives abnormal white blood cells to multiply unchecked.
  • It progresses through three phases: chronic (often manageable for years), accelerated, and blast crisis; most people are diagnosed in the chronic phase, often after a routine blood test shows an unexpectedly high white cell count.
  • First-line treatment is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor such as imatinib, with dasatinib or nilotinib used if imatinib is not tolerated or the disease progresses.
  • Any new bone pain, fever, rapid weight loss, or a noticeably enlarging spleen warrants prompt medical review.

What causes CML

CML arises from a specific swap of material between chromosomes 9 and 22, producing the BCR-ABL fusion gene. This gene codes for a constantly active enzyme (a tyrosine kinase) that drives uncontrolled cell growth. It is not inherited and has no known lifestyle trigger. CML accounts for roughly 15% of adult leukaemias, and the average age at diagnosis is the mid-forties.

Targeted treatment: tyrosine kinase inhibitors

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) transformed CML from a disease with poor long-term outcomes into one where sustained remission is realistic for most people. First-line treatment typically starts with imatinib, the original BCR-ABL inhibitor. When imatinib is not tolerated or the disease progresses, second-generation agents dasatinib and nilotinib are used; both achieve deeper molecular responses in many patients. Hydroxycarbamide is sometimes used to bring down a very high white cell count while TKI therapy gets started. These sit alongside other oncology support medicines used across cancer care.

Monitoring and follow-up

Regular PCR monitoring of BCR-ABL transcript levels is essential to confirm a treatment is working and to catch early signs of resistance. Most people stay on TKI therapy long-term, with dose or drug adjustments guided by these results.

When to see a doctor

Any new bone pain, unexplained fever, rapid weight loss, or a noticeably enlarging spleen warrants prompt medical review, whether at diagnosis or during treatment.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.