What is the blast phase of CML like, and what can be expected? Is it painful?
The blast phase, also called blast crisis, is the most severe phase of CML. In this phase, at least 20 percent of blood cells are blasts (immature white blood cells), making it harder for the body to fight infections and control bleeding. This Show Full Answer
What is the blast phase of CML like, and what can be expected? Is it painful?
The blast phase, also called blast crisis, is the most severe phase of CML. In this phase, at least 20 percent of blood cells are blasts (immature white blood cells), making it harder for the body to fight infections and control bleeding. This phase acts more like acute leukemia and needs urgent treatment.
Common symptoms during blast phase include:
* Fever
* Severe fatigue
* Loss of appetite and weight loss
* An enlarged spleen, which can cause pain or fullness in the left upper abdomen
* Feeling unusually full after eating small amounts
* Bone pain (which may be treated with radiation therapy)
The blast phase is harder to treat than earlier phases. Standard treatments may not be as effective, so doctors often try different tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) like dasatinib or nilotinib. Chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation may also be recommended, especially for younger patients.
While pain can occur, particularly from an enlarged spleen or bone involvement, treatments are available to help manage these symptoms and improve comfort.
March 25
Join
Your Privacy Choices
