Question: Scientists were able to show that CML was caused solely by the over expression of the Bcr-cAbl protein kinase and tested 400 small molecules until they found a highly specific kinase inhibitor. This drug was then tested in clinical trials and shown to cause remission in more the 90% of CML patients as long as the drug was taken daily. Why is the specificity important for the success of this drug?

Select one:
a. There are fewer side effects if the drug is only inhibiting growth of cells expressing the Bcr-cAbl protein kinase rather than all growing cells (like most chemotherapy).
b. If it were a non-specific inhibitor of all protein kinases, it would be highly toxic as there are many essential protein kinases.
c. A and B.