What is CML?
Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML) is a type of blood cancer that affects the white blood cells. It develops when the bone marrow produces too many abnormal white blood cells called granulocytes.
Key Characteristics
- Slow-growing cancer (chronic)
- Presence of Philadelphia chromosome (BCR-ABL fusion gene)
- Most common in adults over 60
- Accounts for ~15% of all leukaemias
Phases of CML
1. Chronic Phase
- Initial phase where most patients are diagnosed
- Often asymptomatic or mild symptoms
- Good response to treatment
2. Accelerated Phase
- Disease progression
- More symptoms appear
- Harder to control with treatment
3. Blast Phase
- Most advanced stage
- Resembles acute leukaemia
- Requires aggressive treatment
Common Symptoms
- Fatigue and weakness
- Unexplained weight loss
- Night sweats
- Fever
- Enlarged spleen (may cause abdominal discomfort)
- Easy bruising or bleeding
Diagnosis
- Blood tests
- Bone marrow biopsy
- Genetic testing for Philadelphia chromosome
- Regular monitoring of BCR-ABL levels
Treatment Options
Targeted Therapy
- Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs)
- Imatinib
- Nilotinib
- Dasatinib
Other Treatments
- Chemotherapy (if TKIs ineffective)
- Stem cell transplantation
- Clinical trials
Living with CML
Monitoring
- Regular blood tests
- PCR testing for BCR-ABL levels
- Follow-up appointments
Lifestyle Recommendations
- Maintain a healthy diet
- Regular exercise as tolerated
- Adequate rest
- Infection prevention
Support and Resources
- Medical team support
- Patient support groups
- Psychological support
- Financial counseling
Prognosis
- Excellent survival rates with modern treatments
- Many patients achieve long-term remission
- Regular monitoring essential