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THE CONSERVATORY OF MEDICAL ARTS AND SCIENCES
XVII
THE SEARCHLIGHT MESSENGER
THE SEARCHLIGHT MESSENGER
Blog
CHRONIC MYELOGENOUS LEUKEMIA
| Posted on December 26, 2011 at 4:23 PM |
Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia(CML) also referred to as Chronic Myeloid Leukemia, or Acute Granulocytic Leukemia, is a rare type of cancer involving the blood cells and bone marrow. It is found in white blood cells which contain the oncogene, Philadelphia Chromosome (Ph+). Unlike other Leukemias, this particular blood cancer tends to progress more slowly than acute forms of leukemia, is found more often in older adults, usually males 45 years of age and older, and rarely occurs in children. It should be made clear that the Leukemias are not inherited diseases, and as with all other Leukemias, in most cases of CML, a caus, cannot be identified, however, it is thought that CML may evolve from environmental risk factors such as ionizing radiation, certain viral attacks, and other environmental carcinogens. Chromosomes are the “set of instructions” for the body and control all the functions of cells. They are responsible for the production, division, and replication of daughter cells. These daughter cells should always have the correct replication of genetic programming (DNA), however, if there is something wrong with the chromosome then the “set of instructions” is also incorrect, and mutations can occur. Unique to CML is the Philadelphia Chromosome (Ph+). Discovered in 1960 in Philadelphia by Dr. Peter Nowell, this translocation defect was found as a consistent finding in CML. Due to the limited techniques available at the time, Dr. Nowell and his colleagues didn’t have the capability to find what happened to the genetic material in the translocation of the chromosomes. It was not until 1972 that Janet Rowley, MD, discovered the first known chromosomal translocation. It was then discovered that the Philadelphia chromosome (Ph+), forms when chromosomes 9 and 22 break and exchange portions as seen in the figure below. What occurs then is a new set of abnormal instructions for the cells involved, in this case, the white blood cells, which no longer function properly. This results in the generation of an abnormal BCR-ABL gene which becomes oncogenetic (cancer-causing). This oncogenetic BCR-ABL gene causes a deregulation of the protein, tyrosine kinase. Tyrosine kinase functions as the “on/off” switch for cellular activity, and in this particular disease, the cell does not have a functional “on” switch for apoptosis (programmed cell death) which allows for the propagation of new and healthy generations of the white cell line. What this means is that these abnormal cells continue to replicate unchecked and proliferate in the bone marrow and body. These cells do not grow and die like normal cells and they overcrowd healthy cells and damage the bone marrow along with other organs. In addition to involving the bone marrow, CML can cause secondary problems, such as an enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) and liver (hepatomegaly). CML does not always reveal itself with overt signs and symptoms during its early phases. A patient may have CML for some time before diagnosis. Some signs and symptoms of CML are: Easy bleeding Feeling fatigued Fever Frequent Infections Weight loss Loss of appetite Pain or fullness below the ribs on the left side Pale skin Night sweats CML can cause anemia and therefore fatigue because the unhealthy white blood cells are crowding out healthy red blood cells. At times, due to a shortage in healthy platelets (thrombocytopenia) which assist in controlling bleeding by helping to form clots, easy bleeding and bruising may occur. Conversely, an increased production of platelets (thrombocytosis) can cause excessive clot formation which may lead to cerebral vascular accidents (stroke) and myocardial infarction (heart attacks). Bone pain is not uncommon due to the neoplastic white blood cell build up in the bone marrow. The spleen becomes enlarged because the excess white blood cells are sequestered there. In some cases the spleen may become so enlarged it is at risk of rupturing. In addition, the white blood cells, although increased in number, and normally programmed to fight off infection, do not function properly, and the cells are unable to ward off infection. There are three phases of CML. They are: (1) The Chronic Phase, the initial early phase; (2) The Accelerated Phase, the transitional phase when the disease begins to become aggressive; and (3)The Blastic Phase, a severe malignancy which becomes life threatening. Each phase is measured proportionally by the amount of diseased cells versus healthy cells in the patient’s blood and bone marrow. With a higher proportion of diseased cells present, the more advanced the stage will be. Diagnostic work up for CML begins with a thorough history, and physical exam, checking for any lymphadenopathy (abnormalities in the lymph nodes), abdominal mass, or enlarged organs, evidence of ischemia, and of course, infection. Ancillary testing, including laboratory for a complete blood count, and blood chemistry are performed. Imaging, including chest x-ray and magnetic resonance imaging of suspicious sites are acquired. Finally, if CML is suspected, a bone marrow biopsy is performed. Confirmation ultimately utilizes laboratory testing for presence of oncogenetic markers including the Philadelphia chromosome and the BCR-ABL gene. Treatment for CML is targeted to eradicate as many blood cells that contain the abnormal BCR-ABL gene as possible. Treatment cannot rid the patient of all the abnormal cells but it can help achieve remission of the disease. There are specific drugs targeting the deregulated protein produced by the BCR-ABL gene, tyrosine kinase. Such medications are: Imatinib (Gleevec) Dasatinib (Sprycel) Nilotinib (Tasigna) Unfortunately, there is on occasion, no response to medication as the disease can become resistant to these interventions, in which case a blood stem cell transplant (bone marrow transplant) may offer a chance for patients. In bone marrow transplant therapies, high doses of chemotherapy are used to treat harvested blood forming cells in the bone marrow, with either autologous (self donated) or allogeneic (matching donor) stem cells. These are then re-infused into the patient. The hope is that new healthy cells will form and replace the diseased cells. About The Author: Evamarie Hernandez, is a Senior Medical Laboratory Technology Student at Intellitec Medical Institute in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and an advanced Hematology student of Dr. Counce. Ms. Hernandez, an exceptional student, recently completed all didactic studies and is currently on externship. She will graduate with her Associates Degree in 2012. |
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414 Comments
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Evamarie Hernandez
1:26 AM on December 28, 2011
Dr. Counce,
Thank you for all of your support and encouragement. You are a dynamic instructor and I enjoyed being one of your students. You are inspirational, funny and knowledgable.My overall experience at Intellitec Medical Institute has been gratifying and challenging.
Evamarie (Saint)
Thank you for all of your support and encouragement. You are a dynamic instructor and I enjoyed being one of your students. You are inspirational, funny and knowledgable.My overall experience at Intellitec Medical Institute has been gratifying and challenging.
Evamarie (Saint)
Reply
biphedadrene
12:52 PM on April 6, 2012
I am searching some health suggestion which I got at your site. nice healthy tips by you, useful for all.
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Dr. Counce
5:06 AM on April 8, 2012
Thank you for your positive comments. My sabbatical is over and all can expect many posts this spring. Coming soon are my articles on the paradigm shift of therapies for the acute leukemias as well as the collateral effects being discovered when the drug Gleevic is utilized and the effects we consider nothing short of miraculous in the non cancer patient. In as far as the world of art, I will be posting quick lessons on how to draw a face and a video on drawing the eye. Expect these in about 2 weeks.
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8:57 AM on May 11, 2012
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Monica Isabel
5:59 AM on November 5, 2012
Oh my goodness! An incredible article dude! I learned a lot of thing about Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia(CML)from your post. It is really so important for me. Knowing about Cancer is truly essential for me and all other visitors. Hope to get more of those in the future. Thanks.
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Ari Milton
7:31 AM on November 6, 2012
Health is very important issue for every one. From your post I get to know about Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia(CML). It is really so essential post for me. I am pleased to read your post.
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1:28 PM on June 27, 2013
Red blood cells and white blood cells both are important to stay fit,decrease or increase in any of them can cause many disease like anemia,i am thankful to you for sharing this.
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Follow this link
4:48 AM on July 30, 2013
These are very useful info about CML. What is scary about it is that it primarily caused by environmental contributors - which we have no control of, really.
Reply
Dr. Counce
4:54 AM on August 4, 2013
breast reconstruction surgery after mastectomy nyc says...
Red blood cells and white blood cells both are important to stay fit,decrease or increase in any of them can cause many disease like anemia,i am thankful to you for sharing this.
You are welcome.
Reply
Dr. Counce
4:55 AM on August 4, 2013
Follow this link says...
These are very useful info about CML. What is scary about it is that it primarily caused by environmental contributors - which we have no control of, really.
Thank you for your comments.
Reply
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10:46 AM on September 3, 2013
The information that you shared about leukemia was really functional. There were so many things that I was unaware from that before. Thanks for update.
Reply
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9:30 AM on September 20, 2013
Leukemia is type of blood cancer. It is very serious disease. All the information you provided was informational. Thanks for updating...
Reply
Dr. Counce
11:46 PM on September 26, 2013
Find allied health courses says...
The information that you shared about leukemia was really functional. There were so many things that I was unaware from that before. Thanks for update.
Thank you very much for your comments.
Reply
Dr. Counce
11:46 PM on September 26, 2013
what are floaters says...
Leukemia is type of blood cancer. It is very serious disease. All the information you provided was informational. Thanks for updating...
You are very welcome. Thank you.
Reply
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11:44 AM on October 16, 2013
Dr. Counce says...
Well done, Ms. Hernandez.
Leukemia is cancer of the blood cells. It starts in the bone marrow, the soft tissue inside most bones.
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