A breakthrough for patients: 25 years of innovation in CML

Twenty-five years ago, Novartis scientists helped usher in a new era of innovation in cancer care—one that redefined the scientific understanding and management of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).

CML is a rare form of cancer that originates in the bone marrow—the tissue responsible for producing blood cells. It occurs when the body produces too many abnormal white blood cells, disrupting normal blood function.¹ While the condition remains serious today, people diagnosed with CML can now typically have a normal lifespan.²

This progress was fueled by visionary researchers, clinicians, and courageous patients. Their collective efforts helped advance the understanding of CML, from its underlying biology to the ongoing needs of people diagnosed with the disease.

Understanding CML

A defining feature of CML is a specific genetic change that leads to the formation of an abnormal protein involved in cell signaling. This abnormal signaling can cause white blood cells to grow and divide in an uncontrolled way.²

Greater understanding of this disease mechanism marked an important moment in oncology research. It helped establish CML as an important example of how identifying a molecular driver of cancer can inform scientific approaches to studying and managing a disease.³

Over time, this growing body of knowledge has also supported improvements in how CML is diagnosed and monitored. Advances in diagnostic testing and disease measurement have helped clinicians better understand how the disease changes over time and how people living with CML may respond to care.⁴

Twenty-five years of innovation

In the last 25 years, technology has certainly advanced—you can now watch content on demand through streaming platforms, summon a ride through a ride share app, and use contactless payments. In parallel, progress in CML research, diagnosis and management has reshaped the experience of people living with the disease.

Novartis has contributed to this innovation through long-standing work in CML research and collaboration across the oncology community. These efforts have been part of a broader movement involving academic researchers, clinicians, advocacy organizations, and people living with CML, all working toward a better understanding of the disease.

Twenty-five years of community: How living with CML has changed—and brought patients together

Over the last two decades, patients' needs drove continued innovations in CML care and support. Social media emerged as a space where patients and caregivers could share experiences, learn from, and support each other. This level of engagement has reshaped what it means to live with CML since the turn of the century.

The CML patient advocacy community has played a vital role in helping those living with this disease—as well as their families and loved ones—to find support, resources, and connection.

Novartis has remained deeply committed to supporting the CML community through long-standing partnerships, global initiatives, and collaborations with patient advocacy groups.

These collective efforts reflect our ongoing commitment to improving clinical practice for people impacted by CML. As patient needs evolve, Novartis remains dedicated to advancing innovation and strengthening collaboration. Looking ahead, we aim to build on 25 years of progress to help meet future challenges and continue supporting the CML community.