Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
Full Form of CML
What is CML?
Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) is a type of cancer that starts in the blood-forming cells of the bone marrow and involves the overproduction of myeloid cells, a type of white blood cell. It is characterized by the presence of the Philadelphia chromosome, a genetic abnormality resulting from a translocation between chromosomes 9 and 22, which leads to the formation of the BCR-ABL fusion gene. CML progresses through three phases: chronic, accelerated, and blast crisis. In India, CML is one of the more common leukemias in adults, with a higher incidence in younger populations compared to Western countries. It is diagnosed through blood tests, bone marrow biopsy, and molecular testing. Treatment has been revolutionized by tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) like imatinib, which target the BCR-ABL protein, making CML a manageable chronic condition for many patients. Awareness of CML is crucial for medical students preparing for NEET PG, AIIMS, and USMLE exams, as it is a classic example of targeted therapy in oncology. Timely diagnosis and adherence to TKI therapy significantly improve survival rates and quality of life.
CML का फुल फॉर्म
क्रॉनिक माइलॉइड ल्यूकेमिया
Example
The oncologist confirmed that the patient's elevated white blood cell count and splenomegaly were due to CML, and started him on a daily dose of imatinib.