State PCS - Uttar Pradesh (UP PCS)

• 12 Nov 2025

Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)

Why in News?

Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML), a major type of adult blood cancer in Uttar Pradesh, can now be effectively managed with one targeted pill a day.

• This breakthrough was highlighted at the pre-conference meeting of Haematocon-2025, organised by the Indian Society of Haematology and Blood Transfusion (ISHBT) and Uttar Pradesh Haematology Group (UPHG).

Key Points

• About: CML is a form of blood cancer that affects adults and accounts for 30% of all adult leukemia cases in India.
  • The disease occurs in approximately 5 out of 1 lakh people.
  • CML is caused by a genetic mutation known as the Philadelphia chromosome, which leads to abnormal growth of white blood cells.
• Treatment: Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs), like Imatinib and its newer versions, have transformed CML treatment over the past two decades.
  • The introduction of TKIs, taken as a single daily pill, has transformed CML from a fatal disease into a manageable condition, allowing patients to lead normal life spans.
• Cost: CML treatment with TKIs can cost as low as ₹1,600 per month, with affordable generic versions available through Jan Aushadhi pharmacies.
• Significance: Targeted therapy has transformed CML from a fatal disease to a manageable condition, with modern treatments boosting long-term survival rates to over 90%.