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.

Exposure to ionizing radiation is the only known risk factor with median presentation at age >50 years old.

Three phases of the disorder are chronic, accelerated and blast.

Choice of therapy is influenced by age, availability of a donor, comorbidities and phase of CML.