I have been dealing with CLL for 20 years and not yet on chemo.
February 6
For sure. There are people in this forum who have been dealing with CLL for longer.
February 5
Can chronic myeloid leukemia stay in the chronic phase for 20 years?
Yes, with modern treatment, CML can remain in the chronic phase for extended periods, including 20 years or more. Most people with chronic phase CML who are treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have very good outcomes and can expect a Show Full Answer
Can chronic myeloid leukemia stay in the chronic phase for 20 years?
Yes, with modern treatment, CML can remain in the chronic phase for extended periods, including 20 years or more. Most people with chronic phase CML who are treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have very good outcomes and can expect a near-normal life expectancy.
The key is staying on TKI therapy long term. Most people who started these treatments 20 years ago are still alive today. However, it's important to know that ongoing TKI therapy is typically needed to prevent the leukemia from progressing to more advanced phases.
Without treatment or if treatments don't work, CML can progress to accelerated or blast phase. Each year, only about 1 percent to 1.5 percent of people with chronic phase CML being treated with TKIs progress to a more advanced stage.
Factors that help predict staying in chronic phase include:
* Being younger than 60
* Not having an enlarged spleen
* Having normal blast, platelet, and white blood cell counts
* Responding well to TKI therapy
Your healthcare team can help you understand your individual outlook and how to maintain the best possible control of your CML.
February 5
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