Chronic myelogenous leukemia
Talk to me.
Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is a cancer of the bone marrow. Bone marrow is tissue located inside the bone that has a spongey texture and is known as the area where blood cells are made.
The term chronic in the name means that it is slower growing than the acute leukemias. CML usually affects older people, however it can occur at any age.
CML might not present any symptoms, however if someone does experience symptoms they might include those listed towards the end of the page.
Diagnosis & Treatment
If you are diagnosed with CML you might have blood tests, a bone marrow biopsy and a test to look for the Philadelphia chromosome.
The Philadelphia chromosome is important in CML because it is found in 90% of all CML cases. There are 23 chromosomes in the human DNA which control instructions for cells in the body to develop. In CML two of these chromosomes swap sections with eachother and make chromosome 22 very short. This chromosome is called the Philadelphia chromosome, and it leads to intructions that tell abnormal cells to create an abundance of protein called tyrosine kinase. Then tyrosine kinase allows for blood cells to grow out of control.
The stages of CML are
- chronic
- accelerated
- blast
Chronic refers to the earliest stage and blast is the term for the cases that are more advanced.
Targeted drugs have been an effective treatment for CML. These specific targeted drugs have been created to fight the protein, tyrosine kinase. You might see them under the names: Gleevec, Sprycel, Tasigna, Bosulif and Iclusig.
Other treatment options include chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant.
Many people might have CML for quite a few years, however it is important to know that advances in treatment have allowed most people diagnosed to become cancer free (enter remission) and live a healthy life afterwards.
Talk to me.
Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is a cancer of the bone marrow. Bone marrow is tissue located inside the bone that has a spongey texture and is known as the area where blood cells are made.
The term chronic in the name means that it is slower growing than the acute leukemias. CML usually affects older people, however it can occur at any age.
CML might not present any symptoms, however if someone does experience symptoms they might include those listed towards the end of the page.
Diagnosis & Treatment
If you are diagnosed with CML you might have blood tests, a bone marrow biopsy and a test to look for the Philadelphia chromosome.
The Philadelphia chromosome is important in CML because it is found in 90% of all CML cases. There are 23 chromosomes in the human DNA which control instructions for cells in the body to develop. In CML two of these chromosomes swap sections with eachother and make chromosome 22 very short. This chromosome is called the Philadelphia chromosome, and it leads to intructions that tell abnormal cells to create an abundance of protein called tyrosine kinase. Then tyrosine kinase allows for blood cells to grow out of control.
The stages of CML are
- chronic
- accelerated
- blast
Chronic refers to the earliest stage and blast is the term for the cases that are more advanced.
Targeted drugs have been an effective treatment for CML. These specific targeted drugs have been created to fight the protein, tyrosine kinase. You might see them under the names: Gleevec, Sprycel, Tasigna, Bosulif and Iclusig.
Other treatment options include chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant.
Many people might have CML for quite a few years, however it is important to know that advances in treatment have allowed most people diagnosed to become cancer free (enter remission) and live a healthy life afterwards.
Symptom list:
Chronic myelogenous leukemia
Financial support
Not all of us are able to afford the treatment we need. Search your insurance coverage, or check out what charities may be able to offer you for your condition.
p.s. Just because you have insurance, that doesn't mean that charities or other organizations are not able to support you too.
Emotional support
Whether it's a free counseling session or to find someone with a similar diagnosis, these Germie approved charities might be able to help. Click to explore their offerings!
