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Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML)

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

CML; Chronic granulocytic leukemia; Leukemia - chronic granulocytic (CML)

Treatment:

Imatinib (Gleevec) is the first line of therapy for all patients. Gleevec blocks the Philadelphia chromosome and is assosicated with very high rates of remission. Similar drugs are being developed.

Sometimes a chemotherapy medicine called hydroxyurea (Hydrea) is used temporarily to control the white blood cell count.

The only known cure for CMS is a bone marrow transplant or stem cell transplantation.

You should discuss your options in detail with your oncologist.

Support Groups:

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

Expectations (prognosis):

Since the introduction of Gleevec, the outlook for patients with CMS has improved dramatically. Many patients can remain in remission for many years while on this drug.

Transplantation should be considered in all patients. Long-term cure after transplantation ranges from 60 - 80%.

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 100°F, chills, sore throat, or cough.

• Review Date: 9/11/2006
• Reviewed By: Corey Cutler, MD, MPH, FRCP(C), Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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