Chronic Myeloid leukemia (CMl) is a type of blood cancer that is now considered curable in majority of patients who present in early stage say experts here. The cure of this cancer is possible with the help of medicine called as “Magic Bullet” or Imatinib mesylate.
More than 1500 patients come to Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research for the treatment of Chronic Myeloid leukemia and almost half of them get the medicines free of cost with the help of The Max Foundation.
The average life of patient with this type of cancer was only 2-3 years before the advent of this medicine. This cancer is now considered as chronic disease like diabetes and hypertension.
Since 2001, PGI, Chandigarh in association with The Max Foundation is providing this medicine free of cost to patients who cannot afford it. The number of patients living with this type of cancer and in good state of health has increased tremendously signifying the magic of this medicine.
To create public awareness about cure of this cancer, September 22 was celebrated as “World CMl Day”. The Depts of Internal Medicine and Hematology with the help of friends of Max and The Max Foundation celebrate CMl day with CMl patients once in every two years. The meeting held on Friday is the 5th CMl patient group meeting.