Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Disease Summary

Overview

Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is a malignant myeloid disorder characterized by the presence of a distinctive cytogenetic abnormality known as the Philadelphia chromosome.
Symptoms include anemia, abdominal fullness, abdominal pain that may present with left upper quadrant pain and early satiety, bleeding episodes due to platelet dysfunction, fatigue, malaise, and weight loss.
Bone marrow aspirate and biopsy is used as initial workup and for the detection of other chromosomal abnormalities that cannot be detected on peripheral blood fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH).
In general, the choice of first-line therapy may depend on risk score, physician's experience, age, ability to tolerate therapy and comorbid conditions.

For further information regarding the management of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia, please refer to Disease Algorithm for the Treatment Guideline.