Chronic myeloid leukemia

A cancer characterized by an abnormal increase in white blood cells arising from rapid, malignant growth of blood-forming cells in the bone marrow. Once it is detected, chronic myeloid leukemia tends to remain in a long-lasting (chronic) phase that may last up to several years, followed by a sudden acute attack known as a blast crisis, when the number of immature white blood cells (blasts) increases rapidly. The blast crisis is very difficult to treat and can result in death.


A hematological malignancy marked by a sustained increase in the number of granulocytes, splenic enlargement, and a specific cytogenetic anomaly (the “Philadelphia chromosome”) in the bone marrow of more than 90% of patients. The disease affects one or two people per 100,000. In 2008 the American Cancer Society estimated that 4830 people would be diagnosed with CML and that 450 would die of the disease. The course of the disease has three phases: a chronic one in which blood counts are relatively easy to control with medications; an accelerated phase in which granulocyte counts become more resistant to chemotherapy; and a “blast” crisis, which resembles acute leukemia. Median survival is about 4 years. It generally occurs between ages 40 and 50, affecting slightly more men than women (4600 adults in the U.S. in 2005).


Marked by a significantly enlarged spleen, anemia, and hemorrhages, this condition initially presents with symptoms such as fatigue, weight and strength loss, disrupted digestion, and abdominal enlargement due to spleen growth. Sadly, it is invariably fatal, with an average life expectancy of slightly over three years from the onset. There is no conclusive evidence that any treatment can extend life, although it notably enhances the patient’s comfort. Occasionally, temporary relief can be achieved by administering drugs that slow down the production of white blood cells. This condition is also referred to as myelocytic leukemia, splenomedullary leukemia, or chronic leukemic myelosis.


 


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