Strengthening CML Care in Malaysia to Support National Cancer Priorities

• More options with new innovative therapy are now available for patients who do not respond well to current first- and second-line therapies.[i]

Petaling Jaya, 23 February 2026 – Novartis Malaysia has reinforced its commitment to supporting national cancer priorities by highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) patients, especially those in public hospitals who still experience ongoing treatment difficulties.

CML is a lifelong condition that requires continuous treatment and monitoring[i]. With most patients being treated in public hospitals, availability of treatment and monitoring in these facilities is critical to ensuring continuity of care and reducing the burden on the healthcare system.[ii]

CML begins in the bone marrow, where the body produces an excess of abnormal white blood cells. These cells can crowd out healthy ones, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, abnormal bleeding, infections, and discomfort[iii]. While advancements in medical treatment have significantly improved the chances of recovery for many, CML remains a challenging condition to manage, especially for those who do not respond well to existing therapies.[iv]

The introduction of targeted treatments 20 years ago marked a turning point in CML treatment.[v] These oral medications target the specific protein responsible for the disease, aiming to spare healthy cells and improving survival rates and quality of life.[vi] Today, many people with CML are living longer and enjoying a better quality of life. Some patients, under close medical supervision, have been able to stop treatment while keeping the disease under control. [vii]

However, the treatment journey remains challenging for some CML patients, and clinicians continue to highlight several unmet needs that have a direct impact on outcomes. When the initial treatment is ineffective, patients may need to progress to second- or third-line options, but outcomes are typically less favorable at this stage, with up to 75% to 80% of patients not achieving the desired response.[viii] This reduced effectiveness is commonly driven by disease resistance, whereby CML evolves in ways that diminish responsiveness to available treatments.

Side effects also impact quality of life and can make long-term adherence difficult.[ix] This underscores the need for treatment approaches and support systems that can help patients maintain consistent disease control over time.

These side effects show that many CML patients require a different treatment approach to maintain disease control and long-term adherence.[x] Ensuring effective CML care is especially important in public hospitals, where Ministry of Health (MOH) resources are used effectively. 

Sanjeev Balachandran, Country President of Novartis Malaysia, Brunei and Asia Emerging Markets (AEM), said, “CML is a condition that has seen incredible advancements in treatment, but many patients still face challenges. To address this, we work closely with clinicians, policymakers, and healthcare partners to strengthen CML care pathways in a responsible and sustainable way, ensuring patients receive the support they need. We remain committed to improving and extending the lives of Malaysians living with CML.”

“We believe that everyone living with a serious blood disorder deserves a life free from pain and discomfort. This vision drives us to continually invest in research and development to bring breakthrough therapies to patients. Advances in hematology treatment give us cause for hope, and it is our responsibility to turn that hope into reality for every eligible patient,” he added. 

In Malaysia, Novartis supports national efforts to improve hematology care through sustainable access models and cross-sector partnerships. By strengthening the healthcare system and expanding access to innovative treatments, these efforts help ensure that patients living with CML receive the care and support they need to lead healthier, fuller lives.