Chronic myelogenous leukemia

Description of chronic myeloid leukemia

Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) – рак крови и костного мозга. When CML bone marrow produces abnormal blood cells:

• Миелобласты – один из видов белых кровяных cell, help the body fight infection;
• Red blood cells (erythrocytes) – переносят кислород;
• Тромбоциты – участвуют в процессе свертывания крови, stopping bleeding in cuts or bruises.

Chronic myelogenous leukemia can develop slowly over many years and does not cause health problems. But CML may also eventually progress to a more aggressive form of leukemia, Acute leukemia lymfoblastnыy (OLL).

Cancer occurs, when the body's cells start to uncontrollably shares. Лейкемия – рак белых кровяных клеток и их клеток-родителей. In leukemia, the white blood cells, lymphocytes, unable to fight off infections and the person is more likely to become infected with viruses or bacteria. Cancerous cells also develop in the bone marrow and affect the normal blood cells, such as platelets, which are necessary for blood clotting.

Causes of chronic myeloid leukemia

The emergence of CML is almost always associated with a mutation of the gene on the chromosome, which is called the Philadelphia chromosome. This mutation occurs gradually over the life of. It is not transmitted from parents to children. In most cases, the cause is unknown mutations. Studies show, that the development of CML affects the impact of high doses of radiation, for example after a nuclear accident or nuclear explosions. However, most patients with CML have not been exposed to radiation.

Risk factors for chronic myeloid leukemia

Factors, which increase the likelihood of developing CML:

• Paul: male;
• Age: Medium or older;
• Exposure to large doses of radiation;
• Smoking;
  • Smoking is the only lifestyle factor, which was associated with the occurrence of leukemia. His connection with the development of CML is not yet clear.

Symptoms of chronic myeloid leukemia

These symptoms, except for chronic myeloid leukemia, They may be caused by other, less serious diseases. If you experience any of them, consult a doctor.

• Weakness;
• Lack of energy;
• Fatigue;
• Unexplained weight loss;
• Night sweats;
• Fever;
• Pain or feeling of fullness below the ribs;
• Pain in the bones;
• Joint pain;
• The decrease in exercise tolerance;
• Increased liver or spleen;
• Causeless bleeding or bruising.

Diagnosis of chronic myeloid leukemia

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical examination. Your doctor may also check for swelling of the liver, spleen or lymph nodes in the armpits, in the groin or neck. Вы можете быть направлены в онкологу – врачу, who specializes in treating cancer.

Tests may include:

• Анализы крови – для проверки изменений в количестве или появлении различных типов клеток крови;
• Аспирация костного мозга – удаление образца жидкости костного мозга для проверки на наличие раковых клеток;
• Биопсия костного мозга – удаление образца жидкости костного мозга и небольшого образца кости для проверки на наличие раковых клеток;
• Осмотр образцов под микроскопом – исследование образцов крови, bone marrow fluid, lymph node tissue, or cerebrospinal fluid;
• Analyses of bones, blood, bone marrow, ткани лимфатического узла или спинномозговой жидкости – чтобы классифицировать тип лейкемии и определить, whether leukemic cells in the lymph nodes or cerebrospinal fluid;
• Цитогенетический анализ – тест, allowing to find certain changes in the chromosomes (genetic material) lymphocytes. Used, to establish a specific diagnosis and plan of treatment of CML;
• Рентген грудной клетки – позволяет обнаружить признаки инфекции легких или рак груди;
• Компьютерная томография брюшной полости – вид рентгена, which uses computer, to make pictures of organs inside the body;
• МРТ – тест, which uses magnetic waves, to make pictures of structures inside the body;
• УЗИ – обследование, which uses sound waves to study the internal organs.

Treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia

Methods of treatment of CML depends on the stage of the disease and the patient's health.

Drug therapy of chronic myeloid leukemia

Develop drugs, which can inhibit a molecule, provoking the development of leukemia and gene, associated. These drugs are often used at the early stages of CML. They are the best treatment option, than chemotherapy and biological therapy. For the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia, the following drugs:

• Imatiniʙa (Glivec);
• Dasatinib (Sprycel);
• Nilotiniʙ (Tasigna).

Chemotherapy for chronic myeloid leukemia

Химиотерапия – использование лекарственных препаратов для уничтожения раковых клеток. Preparations for the chemotherapy may be given in various forms: tablets, injection, the introduction of a catheter. The drugs enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body, killing mostly cancer, and also some healthy cells.

Biological Therapy

This method of treatment of CML are still being tested in clinical. Treatment involves use of drugs or substances, which are used to increase or restore the body's natural defenses against cancer. This type of therapy is also called treatment with biological response modifiers. Sometimes they used very specific (Monoclonal) antibodies, designed to inhibit leukemic cells. Currently, therapy using monoclonal antibodies is limited to clinical trials and is not available in Russia.

Chemotherapy with stem cell transplant

Химиотерапия с трансплантацией стволовых клеток для лечения ХМЛ все еще проходит клинические испытания. Chemotherapy followed by stem cell transplantation (immature blood cells). They will replace blood-forming cells, destroyed by cancer treatment. Stem cells are selected from blood or bone marrow donor, then administered to the patient.

Spiking lymphocytes

Лимфоциты – тип белых кровяных клеток. Lymphocytes from a donor are introduced into the patient and does not attack cancer cells blocked.

Surgery for chronic myeloid leukemia

Может быть проведена спленэктомия – операция по удалению селезенки. It is held, If the spleen is enlarged, or there were other complications.

Prevention of chronic myeloid leukemia

Since the cause of CML is unknown, there are no guidelines to prevent it. Quite possible, that CML is associated with the occurrence of smoking. You can reduce the risk of chronic myeloid leukemia, throwing or not starting to smoke.