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Chronic myeloid leukemia is a slow-growing cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. CML is characterized by the bone marrow making too many abnormal white blood cells called granulocytes, leading to an excess of cells in the blood.
read more about chronic myeloid leukemia ...The cause is a specific genetic defect called the Philadelphia chromosome. This abnormal chromosome leads to the formation of a gene that produces an uncontrolled protein, which signals the cells to grow excessively. This defect is acquired, not inherited.
Symptoms progress slowly and may include fatigue, low-grade fever, and night sweats. Many people notice a feeling of fullness under the ribs due to an enlarged spleen. Weight loss, weakness, and bone pain can also develop. In later stages, anemia and frequent infections become more pronounced. Because the early phase can be silent, routine blood tests are often how the disease is first detected.
Chronic myeloid leukemia can impact eye health due to hyperviscosity (thickening of the blood) caused by the excessive white cell count. This can lead to retinal hemorrhages (bleeding) and vessel abnormalities, requiring prompt treatment to prevent visual damage.
Chronic myeloid leukemia is primarily managed using targeted drug therapy called tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). These drugs specifically block the abnormal protein produced by the Philadelphia chromosome, effectively controlling the disease progression.
Chronic leukemia (CML, CLL) progresses slowly and may not require immediate treatment. Acute leukemia progresses very rapidly and requires immediate, intensive chemotherapy.
CML is not usually cured, but modern TKI drugs effectively manage the disease, allowing most people to live a normal lifespan.
The cause is a genetic mutation (the Philadelphia chromosome), but it is acquired during life, not passed down from parents.
CML is very rare in children, affecting mostly adults.
If you experience a feeling of fullness in the upper left abdomen, it may indicate an enlarged spleen (splenomegaly), a hallmark of CML. Blood tests to monitor the "BCR-ABL1" gene mutation are critical for ensuring your medication is controlling the disease successfully.
National Cancer Institute. CML Treatment (cancer.gov). 2025.
NHS. Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (nhs.uk). 2024.
MedlinePlus. Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (medlineplus.gov). 2023.
Cancer Research UK. CML (cancerresearchuk.org). 2022.