chronic myeloid leukemia
Also written as: CML — chronic myeloid leukemia
A slowly progressing blood cancer characterized by the presence of the BCR-ABL fusion gene, typically occurring in the chronic phase initially.
Full Definition
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a clonal myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized by the presence of the BCR-ABL1 fusion gene, most commonly resulting from the Philadelphia chromosome translocation t(9;22). The disease typically presents in a chronic phase with elevated white blood cell counts and splenomegaly. Without treatment, CML progresses through an accelerated phase to blast crisis. The development of tyrosine kinase inhibitors targeting BCR-ABL1 has dramatically improved outcomes, making CML a largely manageable chronic condition when diagnosed in the chronic phase.
Usage
Usage note: Specify 'chronic myeloid' to distinguish from other leukemia types; CML acceptable after first use.
In Context
- "The patient's chronic myeloid leukemia was well-controlled on imatinib therapy." — follow-up note
- "Molecular monitoring showed a major molecular response in this patient with chronic myeloid leukemia." — laboratory report