The "Philadelphia chromosome" is a reciprocal translocation of chromosome 9 to 22, which causes chronic myelogenous leukemia. The chromosomal translocation fuses the genes encoding the tyrosine kinase ABL and BCR, an activator of ABL. The drug Gleevac has been shown to be effective in Phase II clinical trials. The drug works by:

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Gleevac (Imatinib) works by specifically inhibiting the BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase, the product of the Philadelphia chromosome translocation. It blocks the ATP binding site of the ABL tyrosine kinase, preventing its activation and subsequent signaling for cell growth and division, which is a key mechanism in the development of chronic myelogenous leukemia.

The "Philadelphia Chromosome" Is a Reciprocal Translocation of Chromosome 9