A quarter century ago, the world was introduced to Gleevec, a breakthrough drug that turned a once-fatal cancer — chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) —into a manageable condition and spurred the creation of the field of precision oncology.
The advent of Gleevec, developed by Brian Druker, M.D., chief executive officer of the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute and JELD-WEN Chair of Leukemia Research , was a watershed moment in the world of cancer care, a groundbreaking confirmation that targeted cancer therapy was viable. The FDA has approved more than 100 similar precision therapies for other types of cancer in the years since Gleevec was introduced.
Gleevec has saved hundreds of thousands of lives. Some of those who were impacted by Gleevec reflected on the revolutionary treatment and what it has done for them.
These quotes have been lightly edited for clarity
Gleevec: 25 Years
Twenty-five years ago, cancer treatment changed forever with the FDA approval of Gleevec. 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.
Christina
“I was diagnosed with CML in November 2017 — less than 48 hours before a scheduled long international flight. With my configuration of blood counts, it turned out if I had taken that flight, there was a high probability that it would have triggered a fatal stroke.
Life. That’s the gift. Really take in those words, and this is true for so many. Gleevec is younger than many of my friend’s children. Without this treatment, I would not be alive today.
The work on blood cancers is not done. What excites me is the substantial pipeline of advancements to CML treatment and the broader shifting culture that understands healthcare is a right.”
Rich
“I hadn’t seen a doctor for a health checkup or blood work for about 20 years, so getting a CBC (complete blood count) sounded like a good idea. I was working the diagnostic radiology late shift that week, so I was able to get the blood draw that morning before starting work. A couple hours into my shift, a colleague said we needed to talk. He said, ‘Your white blood count is over 100,000.’ I said, ‘That’s leukemia.’
I started Gleevec at 400 mg per day. I got pretty much all the side effects, but I was happy that it was working well. The fatigue part was the worst, but as I told Dr. Druker, I’d rather be tired than dead, so I was OK with that.
For those recently diagnosed with CML or currently in treatment — you have reason to be very hopeful for a good outcome with this condition. That has been my experience.”
Paige
“My initial treatment from 1999 to 2000 bought me enough time (though it did almost kill me) to get into the STI-571(I’ll never forget the name) trial at OHSU. I remember my first trip to OHSU, taking my first dose on June 25 and having hope for the first time since shortly after my diagnosis the year prior. I remember how amazing I felt in such a short time. I remember my oncologist at home in Nashville saying that he would not have believed my results and the turnaround in my health without having seen it for himself.
Gleevec shifted my perspective on life at a relatively young age. Because I survived, I’m actually extremely grateful for the experience, as it made me more willing to take chances, to not let the little things be the big things, and to have gratitude.
I just want more people to have the second chance that I did. It was lifesaving and life changing.”
Rob
“I was completely devastated when I was first diagnosed with CML. Little did I know that 21 years later, I would be living a productive, healthy life. Hearing the word, ‘cancer,’ can be terrifying, but the reality today is that CML is more of a condition than a life sentence.
These past 21 years have been some of the best of my life. I have watched my three children graduate from high school and college, seen two of them get married, and — most importantly — welcomed three beautiful grandchildren into the world. None of this would have been possible without Dr. Druker’s groundbreaking research that led to the FDA approval of Gleevec.
Today, I continue to look ahead with optimism and confidence in the future. When I consider the pace of medical discovery, I believe more than ever that we will one day put an end to cancer as we know it.”
Dave
“Obviously, being told you have leukemia is the last thing in the world you expect to hear when you are sitting with your doctor. Then, the results come back, and you get told, ‘Well if you had to pick one, this was the one.’ Most doctors tell you that you just need to take this pill and you will be fine. When you hear it, it is hard to believe. Your first thought is to completely be in doubt. The reality is that it is 100% true.
Gleevec has changed the world for those who are diagnosed with CML. Yes, it can have some side effects, none are so bad that you can’t live with them, and prior to Gleevec the outcome was most likely death.
What I have gotten from this treatment is a new appreciation for life. Every day is a gift, and I try to find the joy of just being alive.
What excites me about the future is that the technology behind Gleevec is the basis of all cancer treatments in the future. I was there the night that Phil Knight donated his $1 billion at the end of the Knight Cancer Challenge. To me, that was the beginning of something that will change the world.”
Tushar
“Although I was diagnosed three-and-a-half years ago and currently take Dasatinib, the path Gleevec cleared allows me to live a normal life today with a nearly normal life expectancy.
Given the incredible advances in medicine, I would share that a diagnosis today should be viewed not with fear, but with hope. What used to be a deadly condition is now treatable. Gleevec did for CML what antibiotics did for bacterial diseases.
Access to treatment has allowed me to live fully while developing a deep interest in medical research. This has led to wonderful connections and the opportunity to contribute to the development of new treatments, including serving on the board of a seed-stage startup. I expect the next 25 years of research will be even more transformative than the last. I am incredibly optimistic about what medicine will achieve next!”
Sydney
“I’m honored to be part of recognizing such a meaningful milestone. Treatments have come so far, and what may feel overwhelming right now can become manageable with time, support and the right care. You are not defined by your diagnosis, and there is still so much life ahead of you.
Having access to this treatment has opened doors I once feared might close. It has allowed me to continue building my life, nurturing relationships, and making plans for the future — things that once felt uncertain or out of reach.
My favorite memories since beginning treatment are simply being able to celebrate meaningful moments with loved ones — birthdays, holidays and even quiet, ordinary days that now feel extraordinary. These experiences carry a deeper sense of gratitude and presence than ever before. I have been able to change lives as a teacher for 10-plus years, and I had my healthy baby boy in 2024! Most of all, I am so grateful for all of the joy and laughter life has brought me.”
Harmony
“My diagnosis was out of the blue. I’d had a clean physical only a few months ago. I had 2-year-old twin boys. I thought, ‘This can’t be true.’
I was randomly assigned to the STI-571 treatment plan on a Phase III study in October of 2000 and the rest is history. Very quickly after receiving treatment, my numbers improved with a steep remission.
Because of the treatment I received, I was able to see my twin boys grow up, graduate from kindergarten, junior high, Eagle Awards, high school, college and more. I was able to have a fulfilling career as a nonprofit CFO and travel the world. I was able to be a friend and support my family and friends.”
Diana
“I was only 44 when I was told that there was not much hope for me with the type of leukemia that I had. I was able to be in one of the very early trials of Gleevec. It was such a blessing to have hope.
I only had one grandchild at that time. I now have five because of this drug. I can’t put into words how thankful I am for the life it has given me in the last 25 years.”
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