Lineage-specific detection of residual disease predicts relapse in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia stopping therapy

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For me, this work represents the next chapter in chronic myeloid leukaemia. Targeted therapies transformed a once-fatal disease into one that can often be controlled for decades. However, for most patients, that control still depends on daily treatment, sometimes accompanied by persistent side effects and long-term toxicities. My vision is to move beyond lifelong disease control towards a personalised pathway to cure. When patients consider stopping treatment, they must balance the hope of a life without medication against the fear of relapse. I want to replace some of that uncertainty with evidence: to identify who is likely to remain treatment-free, understand why others relapse and develop new strategies that bring treatment-free remission within reach for more people. This study was an important first step. It has helped shape our National CML Treatment-Free Remission Registry, where we are now working to transform a promising research finding into better, more informed decisions for patients and clinicians.

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