Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia
Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML) is a type of cancer that affects the bone marrow and is characterized by the overproduction of white blood cells. This excess production is caused by a genetic mutation that results in the formation of the Philadelphia chromosome. CML is typically diagnosed in adults and can be asymptomatic in the early stages. Symptoms may include fatigue, weakness, night sweats, abdominal discomfort, and fever. The disease also has three distinct phases; the chronic phase, accelerated phase, and blast crisis phase. Treatment options for CML depend on the stage of the disease, and can include targeted therapy with tyrosine kinase inhibitors, chemotherapy, bone marrow transplant, or a combination of these treatments. With the advent of targeted therapy, the prognosis for CML has significantly improved, and many patients are able to live with the disease for long periods of time. Oncology research is continuously investigating better methods of treating and preventing CML. Much of the focus in hematology and oncology research is on developing new targeted therapies that are more effective, have fewer side effects, and can be customized to the specific genetic mutations present in each patient. The ultimate goal is to find a cure for this devastating disease, and to improve the quality of life for those affected by it.
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