World Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) Day: Continuing the revolution

Every year on 22nd September, the CML Advocates Network and blood cancer communities around the globe come together to mark World Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) Day. The date is poignant because it symbolizes the cause of CML which is the genetic change of chromosomes 9 and 22.

2021 is an important milestone, as twenty years ago the first patients with CML were treated with a new class of targeted therapy known as tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Outcomes exceeded all expectations where most patients achieved a normal life expectancy.

In the decades that followed, ongoing development of TKIs and a greater understanding of the disease continued to transform CML care. Patients can now live with this chronic disease rather than it being deemed fatal.

Yet many challenges remain - from resistance or intolerance to prior therapies, to disparities in disease burden across geographies for early-stage screening, novel treatments, and medical resources. This means World CML Day 2021 is a time for us to reflect on and celebrate progress, and equally, recognize that, collectively and collaboratively, more must be done to help drive better access to care for all patients.

As we enter a new decade, I truly believe the momentum for CML patient support is at a critical point. We must continue to engage with and serve this community to forge forward to improve care. We must also continue the relentless pursuit of scientific excellence so that we can contribute to a future where every patient has the chance to enjoy longer and healthier lives.?

#WCMLDay21?