Gleevec Marked a Turning Point in Cancer Treatment 23 Years Ago

Why it matters locally: Oregon Health & Science University's Dr. Brian Druker played a central role in championing Gleevec's development, a breakthrough that transformed cancer treatment nationally and established OHSU as a leader in targeted cancer therapy research.

In 2001, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Gleevec for treating chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), signaling a transformation in cancer treatment. Gleevec, also known as imatinib, provided a targeted therapy option. Traditional cancer treatments like chemotherapy often affect healthy cells along with cancerous ones. Gleevec, in contrast, targets a specific protein produced by CML cells. This protein drives the uncontrolled growth characteristic of the disease. Dr. Brian Druker, director of the Knight Cancer Institute at Oregon Health & Science University, championed Gleevec's development. Before Gleevec, CML patients faced limited treatment options, including stem cell transplants and interferon therapy. Both treatments carried significant risks and side effects. Gleevec offered patients a pill form of medication, improving survival rates and quality of life. The treatment's success spurred research into similar targeted therapies for other cancers, changing expectations for cancer treatments.