What is the chronic phase of CML and what are its characteristics?
The chronic phase is the earliest and most common phase of CML. More than 19 out of 20 people with CML are diagnosed during this phase.
Key Characteristics:
In the chronic phase, fewer than 10 percent of cells in the blood or bone marrow are blasts Show Full Answer
What is the chronic phase of CML and what are its characteristics?
The chronic phase is the earliest and most common phase of CML. More than 19 out of 20 people with CML are diagnosed during this phase.
Key Characteristics:
In the chronic phase, fewer than 10 percent of cells in the blood or bone marrow are blasts (immature white blood cells). This is the main defining feature.
Symptoms:
Many people have no symptoms at all during this phase. When symptoms do occur, they're usually mild and may include:
- Tiredness
- Weight loss
- Abdominal pain or swelling
- An enlarged spleen
Treatment Response:
The chronic phase typically responds very well to treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Most people diagnosed in this phase have very good outcomes with these medications.
Progression:
If left untreated, chronic phase CML can progress to more advanced phases (accelerated or blast phase) within three to four years. However, with proper treatment, progression can often be prevented. Each year, only about 1 to 1.5 percent of people being treated with TKIs progress to a more advanced stage.
February 6
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