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Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML)

Definition

Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is cancer that starts inside the bone marrow. This is the soft tissue in the center of bones that helps form all blood cells.

CML causes an uncontrolled growth of immature and mature cells that make a certain type of white blood cell called myeloid cells. The diseased cells build up in the bone marrow and blood.

Causes

The cause of CML is related to an abnormal chromosome called the Philadelphia chromosome.

Radiation exposure can increase the risk of developing CML. Radiation exposure can be from radiation treatments used in the past to treat thyroid cancer or Hodgkin lymphoma or from a nuclear disaster.

It takes many years to develop leukemia from radiation exposure. Most people treated for cancer with radiation do not develop leukemia. And most people with CML have not been exposed to radiation.

CML most often occurs in middle-age adults and in children.

Symptoms

Chronic myelogenous leukemia is grouped into phases:

• Chronic

• Accelerated

• Blast crisis

The chronic phase can last for months or years. The disease may have few or no symptoms during this time. Most people are diagnosed during this stage, when they have blood tests done for other reasons.

The accelerated phase is a more dangerous phase. Leukemia cells grow more quickly. Common symptoms include fever (even without infection), bone pain, and a swollen spleen.

Untreated CML leads to the blast crisis phase. Bleeding and infection may occur due to bone marrow failure.

Other possible symptoms of a blast crisis include:

• Bruising

• Excessive sweating (night sweats)

• Fatigue

• Fever

• Pressure under the lower left ribs from a swollen spleen

• Rash -- small pinpoint red marks on the skin (petechiae)

• Weakness

Exams and Tests

A physical examination often reveals a swollen spleen. A complete blood count (CBC) shows an increased number of white blood cells with many immature forms present and an increased number of platelets. These are parts of the blood that help blood clot.

Other tests that may be done include:

• Bone marrow biopsy

• Blood and bone marrow testing for the presence of the Philadelphia chromosome

Treatment

Medicines that target the abnormal protein made by the Philadelphia chromosome are often the first treatment for CML. These medicines can be taken as pills. People treated with these drugs often go into remission quickly and can stay in remission for many years.

Sometimes, chemotherapy is used first to reduce the white blood cell count if it is very high at diagnosis.

The blast crisis phase is very difficult to treat. This is because there is a very high count of immature white blood cells (leukemia cells) that are resistant to treatment.

Support Groups

You can ease the stress of illness by joining a cancer support group. Sharing with others who have common experiences and problems can help you not feel alone.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Targeted medicines, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors, have greatly improved the outlook for people with CML. Most people can remain in remission, assessed typically by blood tests, for many years, and potentially for life, while on this medicine.

Stem cell or bone marrow transplant is often considered in people whose disease comes back or gets worse while taking the medicines. Transplant may also be recommended for people who are diagnosed in accelerated phase or blast crisis.

Possible Complications

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

Prevention

Avoid exposure to radiation when possible.

References

Kantarjian H, Cortes J. Chronic myeloid leukemia. In: Niederhuber JE, Armitage JO, Kastan MB, Doroshow JH, Tepper JE, eds. Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 98.

National Cancer Institute website. Chronic myelogenous leukemia treatment (PDQ) health professional version. www.cancer.gov/types/leukemia/hp/cml-treatment-pdq. Updated April 19, 2024. Accessed May 7, 2024.

National Comprehensive Cancer Network website. NCCN clinical practice guidelines in oncology: (NCCN guidelines).Chronic myeloid leukemia. Version 2. 2024. www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/pdf/cml.pdf. Updated December 5, 2023. Accessed May 7, 2024.

Radich J. Chronic myeloid leukemia. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 170.

Review Date: 3/31/2024

Reviewed By: Todd Gersten, MD, Hematology/Oncology, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Wellington, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.