What is the standard treatment for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)?

Imatinib is recognized as the standard treatment for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) due to its mechanism as a targeted therapy that specifically inhibits the BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase, which is created by the Philadelphia chromosome, a genetic abnormality present in most CML patients. This targeted approach results in a significant reduction of the cancerous cells in the bone marrow and peripheral blood, leading to improved outcomes.

Imatinib has been shown to induce remission and prolong survival rates in CML patients efficiently. It is often administered as a first-line therapy, especially in the chronic phase of the disease. The development of imatinib has significantly transformed the management of CML, making it possible for many patients to achieve long-lasting responses and even possible cure with advanced therapies.

The other options mentioned do not serve as standard first-line treatments for CML. Hydroxyurea is often used to control high white blood cell counts but does not target the underlying disease mechanism. Allopurinol is typically used to manage hyperuricemia and does not treat the disease itself. Cytarabine may be used in other forms of leukemia, particularly acute types, but is not standard for managing CML. Therefore, imatinib remains