Drug of choice for treatment of CML is:
**Core Concept**
The question is testing the knowledge of the pharmacological management of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML), a type of cancer affecting the white blood cells. The treatment of CML has evolved over the years, and the current standard of care involves targeted therapy.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The drug of choice for CML is Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs), which specifically target the BCR-ABL protein responsible for the disease. Imatinib, a first-generation TKI, was the first drug to show significant improvement in survival and quality of life for CML patients. It works by inhibiting the ATP-binding site of the BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase, thereby preventing the proliferation of leukemic cells. Imatinib has been followed by second-generation TKIs such as Dasatinib, Nilotinib, and Bosutinib, which have shown improved efficacy and reduced resistance.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Interferon-alpha was previously used for CML treatment but has been largely replaced by TKIs due to their superior efficacy and tolerability.
**Option B:** Chemotherapy is not the primary treatment for CML, as it can cause significant toxicity and has limited effectiveness in this disease.
**Option C:** Hydroxyurea is a cytoreductive agent used to control high white blood cell counts in CML patients but is not a disease-modifying therapy.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The BCR-ABL fusion protein is a result of the Philadelphia chromosome translocation, which is a hallmark of CML. TKIs have revolutionized the treatment of CML, offering improved survival and quality of life for patients.
**Correct Answer: D. Imatinib. Imatinib is the drug of choice for the treatment of CML.**