CML

CML

Chronyc Myeloid Leukemia, or "CML", is a relatively "rare" form of blood cells cancer. It is approximately 15-20% of all cases of leukemia among adults, and it has a ratio of 1.3 people every 100.000. CML is proved to be slightly more common among man who have a ratio of 1.7 (over 100.000), while women have a ratio of 1.
In the past years CML was cured with interferon-alpha or bone marrow transplant. Though these previous treatments resulted in a lenghtening of life time of only two years, but with terrible side-effects, which made 1 out of 5 patients stop the therapy.
Chronic Myeloid Leukemia is characterized by the replacement of the bone marrow with malignant leukemic cells. In the early stage CML can only be diagnosed with a blood test, which would show an excessive number of abnormal white cells; in later stages patients experience infections, bleeding, fever, chills, sweats, weakness, fatigue and headaches. CML is caused by a mutation in the DNA, which is shown by the presence of the Philadelphia Chromosome (Ph), so called after the city where it was discovered. This chromosome is the result of a reciprocal translocation between two chromosomes: 9 and 22. This brings together two genes, ABL from chromosome 9 and BCR from 22. ABL stands for Ableson leukemia virus, while BCR stands for breakpoint cluster region. This new hybrid gene BCR-ABL codes for a fusion protein which activates signal transduction pathways, due to its unusual tyrosine kinase activity. This causes UNCONTROLLED cell growth.
CML is characterized by 3 phases:
1. Chronic Phase: This phase usually lasts for 4 or 5 years.
2. Accelerated phase: This phase can last from 6 to 18 months
3. Myeloid Blast Crisis: This phase is the final phase of CML and only lasts from 3 to 6 months.