Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML) is a type of
blood cancer that starts in the blood-forming cells of the bone marrow and invades the blood. It is a type of
leukemia characterized by the uncontrolled growth of myeloid cells. CML progresses slowly compared to acute forms of leukemia, and it primarily affects adults.
The primary cause of CML is a genetic mutation known as the
Philadelphia chromosome. This abnormal chromosome results from a translocation between chromosome 9 and chromosome 22, creating the BCR-ABL fusion gene. This gene produces a protein that promotes the abnormal growth of white blood cells.
CML progresses through three phases:
Chronic Phase: This is the initial phase where patients may have no symptoms, and the disease is usually diagnosed during routine blood tests.
Accelerated Phase: In this phase, symptoms become more apparent, and the disease progresses more rapidly.
Blast Crisis: This is the most severe phase resembling acute leukemia, characterized by a high number of immature white blood cells (blasts).
Symptoms of CML can vary depending on the phase of the disease. Common symptoms include:
Fatigue and weakness
Unexplained weight loss
Fever and night sweats
Enlarged spleen (splenomegaly)
Bone pain
Diagnosis of CML typically involves several tests:
The prognosis for CML patients has dramatically improved with modern treatments, particularly TKIs. Many patients achieve long-term remission and can lead normal lives. The prognosis depends on various factors, including the phase of the disease at diagnosis, patient response to treatment, and overall health.
Conclusion
Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia is a serious but increasingly manageable type of leukemia. Advances in targeted therapies have transformed CML from a fatal disease to a chronic condition with promising outcomes. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial for managing the disease effectively.
