Imatinib is a medication primarily used to treat certain types of cancer, particularly chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). It works by inhibiting specific proteins that promote the growth of cancer cells, effectively slowing down or stopping their proliferation. Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2001, Imatinib is taken orally and has significantly improved the prognosis for patients with these conditions. Its targeted approach minimizes damage to healthy cells, making it a cornerstone in modern cancer therapy.