Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML)

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Bone marrow aspiration

Auer rods

Chronic myelocytic leukemia - microscopic view

Chronic myelocytic leukemia

Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML)

Alternative Names:

CML; Chronic granulocytic leukemia; Leukemia - Chronic granulocytic(CML)
Treatment:

Treatment is aimed at reducing the growth of the leukemic cells in the bone marrow and may bring about a remission (when no leukemia can be found) with good control of the symptoms of the disease.

The chronic phase can be controlled with chemotherapy, which can be given as an outpatient. Interferon has been used to achieve temporary remission.

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In 2001, the FDA approved a new drug for CML called imatinib (Gleevec), which is particularly effective when the disease has not responded to standard treatment (bone marrow transplant). This drug works directly on the leukemic cells to slow their growth. A bone marrow transplant preceded by high-dose chemotherapy and radiation therapy remains the standard treatment, however, although not all people with CML are suitable candidates for transplantation or have a suitable donor.

It is not known at the present time which patients should receive a bone marrow transplant as the first treatment and who should receive Gleevec. Participation in a medical study ("clinical trial") comparing these treatments may be appropriate. Since treatment recommendations for CML are changing quickly with new research findings, you should discuss in detail with your oncologist the advantages and disadvantages of each option.

Support Groups:

For additional information and resources, see cancer support group and leukemia support group.

Expectations (prognosis):

Without curative treatment, the disease is always fatal. On average, the survival is 3 to 4 years. Over half of those who receive a bone marrow transplant have long-term, disease-free survival. The long-term survival after imatinib alone is not known.

Complications:

Blast crisis can lead to complications of CML, including infection, bleeding, fatigue, unexplained fever, and kidney problems. Chemotherapy can have serious side effects, depending on the drugs used.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you have symptoms suggestive of CML or have been diagnosed with CML and develop a fever higher than 100F, chills, sore throat, or cough.