Chronic myelogenous leukemia

Description of chronic myeloid leukemia

Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) – cancer of the blood and bone marrow. When CML bone marrow produces abnormal blood cells:

• Mieloblastov – a type of white blood cell, help the body fight infection;
• Red blood cells (erythrocytes) – carry oxygen;
• Platelets – involved in blood clotting, 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. Leukemia – cancer of the white blood cells and their parent cells. 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. You may be directed to the oncologist – doctor, who specializes in treating cancer.

Tests may include:

• Blood tests – to check for changes in the quantity or appearance of various types of blood cells;
• Bone marrow aspiration – removal of a sample of liquid bone marrow to test for cancer cells;
• Bone marrow biopsy – removing the fluid sample of bone marrow and a small sample of bone to test for the presence of cancer cells;
• Examination of the samples under a microscope – the study of blood samples, bone marrow fluid, lymph node tissue, or cerebrospinal fluid;
• Analyses of bones, blood, bone marrow, lymph node tissue, or cerebrospinal fluid – to classify and determine the type of leukemia, whether leukemic cells in the lymph nodes or cerebrospinal fluid;
• Cytogenetic analysis – test, allowing to find certain changes in the chromosomes (genetic material) lymphocytes. Used, to establish a specific diagnosis and plan of treatment of CML;
• Chest X-ray – It can detect signs of lung infection or cancer of the breast;
• Computed tomography of the abdomen – X-ray views, which uses computer, to make pictures of organs inside the body;
• MRT – test, which uses magnetic waves, to make pictures of structures inside the body;
• US – examination, 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

Chemotherapy – the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. 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

Chemotherapy stem cell transplantation for the treatment of CML are still undergoing clinical trials. 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

Lymphocytes – a type of white blood cells. Lymphocytes from a donor are introduced into the patient and does not attack cancer cells blocked.

Surgery for chronic myeloid leukemia

It may be carried out splenectomy – surgery to remove the spleen. 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.