Location, location, location

CML is associated with the Philadelphia Chromosome (abnormal chromosome 22), first discovered in 1960. At that time the therapies were arsenic, radiation and hydroxyurea, with sadly minimal effect on survival. After 1980, chemotherapy and bone marrow transplantation made some inroads into CML care, but with considerable side effect costs. The identification of the BCR-ABL fusion gene allowed the development of the targeted TKI therapy, Imatinib. Things improved rapidly. Second and third line TKIs such as Dasatinib and Asciminib followed, increasing response rates and reducing side effects. In 1995 South Australia developed a world class centre for integrated CML therapy and Research, lead by Prof Tim Hughes. They have pioneered the personalised use of TKI therapies, the concept of molecular PCR based treatment monitoring, and championed strategies for the cessation of therapy for selected patients. This recent MJA publication summarises their work and outcomes for SA patients. I am on the green line in chart 4. #luckytobeasouthaustralian #happyproclaimationday #letsmakelemonade