Chronic Myeloid Leukemia-CML

Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) is a type of blood cancer that starts in the bone marrow due to a genetic change known as the Philadelphia chromosome.

It leads to uncontrolled growth of myeloid cells but responds well to targeted therapy.

Overview And Clinical Background

CML is characterized by an abnormal chromosome translocation producing the BCR-ABL gene.

This gene drives excessive cell growth in bone marrow.

Cause:Philadelphia chromosome (t(9;22) translocation).

Nature:Chronic phase followed by accelerated and blast crisis phases.

Targeted therapy has revolutionized CML management.

Early stages may be asymptomatic.

Symptoms develop as white cells accumulate.

Common symptom:Fatigue, weight loss, or abdominal fullness from splenomegaly.

Night sweats and bone pain.

Red flag:Sudden worsening of symptoms indicating blast crisis.

CML diagnosis requires detection of the BCR-ABL gene via molecular tests.

Imaging:Ultrasound to check spleen size.

Lab tests:CBC, bone marrow biopsy, and PCR for BCR-ABL.

Cytogenetic testing tracks treatment response.

Targeted therapy is the mainstay of CML treatment.

Surgery is rarely needed.

TKI therapy:Drugs like imatinib or dasatinib block BCR-ABL activity.

Advanced stages:Chemotherapy or stem cell transplant.

Regular PCR monitoring guides therapy adjustment.

With modern drugs, patients live near-normal lifespans.

Adherence ensures long-term remission.

CureU Healthcare offers precision diagnostics and expert CML care with advanced molecular tracking.

CML is now a controllable chronic condition.

Early diagnosis and consistent therapy provide lasting remission.