What is the main treatment to control Chronic Myeloid Leukemia in its chronic phase?

In the chronic phase of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML), the main treatment is the use of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs). These targeted therapies specifically inhibit the activity of the BCR-ABL fusion protein, which is a result of the Philadelphia chromosome mutation that is characteristic of CML. By blocking this protein, TKIs effectively reduce the proliferation of abnormal blood cells, leading to a significant decrease in leukemia cell counts and helping to control the disease.

TKIs are considered a breakthrough in the treatment of CML, greatly improving patient outcomes and survival rates. Their effectiveness in managing the chronic phase of the disease has shifted the treatment paradigm, allowing patients to achieve remission and maintain a better quality of life.

Other treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery, are less effective for patients in the chronic phase of CML. Chemotherapy can be used but is not the primary choice due to its broader, less targeted effects and potential for greater side effects. Radiation therapy is generally not a front-line treatment for CML, as it does not specifically target the underlying genetic cause of the disease. Surgery, on the other hand, is not applicable for CML since it is a hematological malignancy characterized by