Oncology
Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
Also known as: CML, Chronic granulocytic leukemia, Chronic myelogenous leukemia
Definition
A type of blood cancer characterized by increased production of myeloid cells in the bone marrow and accumulation in the blood.
Detailed Explanation
CML is caused by the BCR-ABL fusion gene (Philadelphia chromosome). It progresses through three phases: chronic, accelerated, and blast crisis. Since the introduction of tyrosine kinase inhibitors like imatinib in 2001, CML has been transformed from a fatal disease to a manageable chronic condition. Newer TKIs like asciminib (Scemblix) offer additional options for resistant or intolerant patients.