Treatment for CML aims to control the disease and maintain long-term remission. Options include:
- Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs): Drugs like imatinib, dasatinib, and nilotinib that specifically target the abnormal protein produced by the Philadelphia chromosome.
- Chemotherapy: Using drugs to kill rapidly dividing cancer cells, often used if CML progresses to a more advanced phase.
- Stem Cell Transplant: Replacing diseased bone marrow with healthy marrow from a donor, considered in cases where TKIs are ineffective or for patients in blast crisis.
- Interferon Therapy: Boosting the immune system to fight leukemia cells, though less commonly used now due to the effectiveness of TKIs.
- Clinical Trials: Investigating new treatments and drug combinations to improve outcomes for CML patients.