Gleevec: 25 Years

Twenty-five years ago, cancer treatment changed forever.

With the FDA approval of Gleevec, a once-deadly diagnosis — chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) — became a treatable, manageable condition for countless patients. What began as a bold scientific idea became one of the most important breakthroughs in modern medicine.

In the years that followed, Gleevec has saved tens of thousands of lives. Developed by Brian Druker, M.D., chief executive officer of the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute and JELD-WEN Chair of Leukemia Research, Gleevec proved that cancer could be targeted at its genetic source. Gleevec helped launch the new field of precision oncology, transforming expectations for cancer care around the world. It led to the development and approval of more than 100 similar precision therapies for other types of cancer. In November of 2025, the FDA approved the 100th small-molecule kinase inhibitor, the same class of drug Gleevec established.

As OHSU and the Knight Cancer Institute continue to revolutionize cancer care, we reflect on how the path toward a future free from the burden of cancer was paved by that remarkable moment 25 years ago.

“It is a remarkable and magic moment of reflection because some of the patients on that phase one, first in human trial are still with me. And they’ve seen weddings, births, graduations, grandchildren — all the things that they never thought that they could imagine would happen.“
Brian Druker, from the NPR article “How a pill approved 25 years ago transformed cancer treatment”

KGW | Revolutionary cancer-fighting drug developed in Oregon marks 25-year milestone

The advent of Gleevec didn’t just launch a new era of precision oncology.
It gave hope to countless people diagnosed with a deadly form of cancer.

“I can’t put into words how thankful I am for the life it has given me in the
last 25 years.”
Diana

“Gleevec is younger than many of my friend’s children. Without this treatment, I would not be alive today.”
Christina

“Having access to this treatment has opened doors I once feared
might close.”
Sydney

“I have gotten from this treatment a new appreciation for life. Every day is a gift, and I try to find the joy of being alive.”
Dave

From death sentence to manageable condition: 25 years of Gleevec

Olympic skier AJ Kitt reflects on his CML diagnosis and how Gleevec saved his life.

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AJ Kitt on the slopes with his family after winning the “Fastest Family in America” at the NASTAR Nationals in 2019 in Squaw Valley. Pictured from left are his daughters, Ava and Ayden, son, Aksel, and his wife, Amy.

Knight School — Blood Cancer Then & Now: 25 Years of Innovation

Watch the recording

Knight School is a series of talks informing the community about the work done at the Knight Cancer Institute. AJ Kitt, Brian Druker, M.D., and Julia Maxson, M.D., associate professor (oncological sciences, hematology and medical oncology) in the OHSU School of Medicine discussed the advances in blood cancer research and treatment.