Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia

Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is also known as chronic myeloid or chronic myelocytic leukemia. Chronic myelogenous leukemia is a fairly uncommon leukemia and is most common in adults. Chronic myelogenous leukemia is caused by a change in the Philadelphia chromosome, which is found in marrow cells. The change that takes place in the Philadelphia chromosome results in the overproduction of immature white blood cells.

The symptoms of chronic myelogenous leukemia include a pale complexion due to anemia, shortness of breath, unexplained weight loss, and weakness. To diagnose chronic myelogenous leukemia both blood and marrow cells need to be examined under a microscope to identify if there is an abnormal number of white blood cells and if the abnormal Philadelphia chromosome is present in the marrow samples.

Chronic myelogenous leukemia begins in the "chronic phase," where it develops at a slow pace. Eventually the disease will progress into the second phase, called the "accelerated phase." In this phase the number of white blood cells and immature blood cells (blast cells) increase. This phase is often more difficult for the patient to manage. The third phase is called "blastic phase." At this phase the disease is considered a very aggressive acute leukemia.

Chronic myelogenous leukemia is often diagnosed in the chronic phase, and is generally treated initially with chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is not an ultimate cure, but it can give the patients prolonged periods where they feel free from the sypmptoms of leukemia. Stem cell transplants are still the only known cure for patients suffering from chronic myelogenius leukemia. In considering a stem cell transplant the patient and doctor should think about the following factors: the age of the patient, the compatibility of a possible donor, and how the patient responded to drug therapy (chemotherapy) in the first months of treatment.

For more detailed information see the National Cancer Institute's statements on this disease.