Imatinib transformed CML from a fatal disease with a median survival of 3–5 years into a manageable chronic condition, significantly extending life expectancy and improving the quality of life for patients. The standard treatment for CML prior to Imatinib included interferon-alpha and allogeneic stem cell transplantation, both of which had significant limitations and risks.
Imatinib has set the foundation for developing second- and third-generation TKIs like dasatinib, nilotinib, bosutinib, and ponatinib, which provide options for patients who develop resistance or intolerance to imatinib.
