Understanding CML – Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a cancer of the bone marrow and blood. It is usually diagnosed in its chronic phase when treatment is very effective for most patients.

CML is also called chronic myelogenous leukemia, chronic granulocytic leukemia and chronic myelocytic leukemia. CML is one of four main types of leukemia. Hematologists and oncologists are specialists who treat people who have CML or other types of blood cancer. Most CML patients are treated with daily oral drug therapy.

Since the introduction of tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy in 2001, CML has been transformed from a life-threatening disease to a manageable chronic condition for most patients. People are living longer with CML and experiencing fewer treatment side effects.

It is essential to talk with your doctor about your diagnostic tests and what the results mean, as well as continually monitoring your response to medication to bringing your CML under control.

One of the main objectives of CML Advocates Network is facilitating access to information and providing educational material and scientific information in a patient-friendly language to patient advocates.