Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
You know, my patients were people who’d been told “to get their affairs in order” because they were going die soon. And now some of them play with grandchildren they’d thought they’d never live to see. That’s worth more than money - Brian Druker, founder Gleevec
image by: CML Advocates Network
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My Tale as a Cancer Survivor
Every year at about this time, I head west to Seattle. Surrounded by mountains and water, with the backdrop of the majestic Mount Rainier, the city is ideal for a pleasure trip in late summer or early fall. But I’m there for another reason: my annual checkup at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.
It has been 27 years since I chose the Hutch, as it is known, as the best place to have a bone-marrow transplant, after being diagnosed with the blood cancer chronic myelogenous leukemia. As cancer survivors, the chance that the cancer might come back is what we fear most, followed by the risk of secondary, or new, cancers that may have developed because of the toxicity of the original…
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Researcher Behind the Drug Gleevec
You know, my patients were people who’d been told “to get their affairs in order” because they were going die soon. And now some of them play with grandchildren they’d thought they’d never live to see. That’s worth more than money.
The “good cancer” that isn’t
Hearing you have cancer — any type — is anything but good. Yet, many people diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) may hear they are “lucky” to have the “good” cancer. This perception is based on the tremendous progress in treatment. However, this is not the full picture for everyone impacted by the disease.
What's New in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Research?
Scientists are making great progress in understanding how changes in a person's DNA can cause normal bone marrow cells to develop into CML cells. Learning about changes in the genes (regions of the DNA) involved in CML is providing insight into why these cells grow too quickly, live too long, and fail to develop into normal blood cells. The explosion of knowledge in recent years is being used to develop many new drugs.
A Doctor in Full
A scientist willing to risk so much for one patient is a doctor in full. Last Friday, a molecular biologist named Brian Druker shared the 2009 Lasker-DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award for his part in "converting a fatal cancer into a manageable chronic condition." The cancer is chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). The drug Dr. Druker developed, Gleevec, manufactured by Novartis, has saved thousands of lives.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Takes His Illness Public
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar revealed some difficult news this week. The Hall Of Fame basketball legend disclosed that he has a rare form of cancer. Doctors diagnosed him with chronic myeloid leukemia almost a year ago, and he has now decided to share his story to show that a cancer diagnosis isnt some kind of automatic death sentence.
Kenyan study shines new light on chronic myeloid leukaemia
Generally, the best known cancer causing agents for all types of cancers include exposure to ionising radiation, chemicals and drugs, tobacco and alcohol consumption, infections, environmental pollutants and genetic factors. For chronic myeloid leukaemia, the only confirmed link is with nuclear bomb radiation. Other associations such as exposure to benzene are largely weak. For example, other studies have failed to show a clear association between farming and the development of this cancer.
Living With a Formerly Fatal Blood Cancer
Before 2000, fewer than half of C.M.L. patients survived seven years; now nearly 90 percent are alive seven years after diagnosis and, like Barry, lead relatively normal lives.
My Tale as a Cancer Survivor
The 27 years after treatment have demanded endurance and vigilance. But they’ve also brought unexpected rewards.
What About My CML
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is often called the “good cancer.” While today’s medications help many people with CML, some patients do not do as well. If this sounds a lot like what you’re going through, be sure to check out the resources on this website
CML Advocates Network
We are a worldwide network of non-profit organisations supporting patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) and their relatives.
Cancer.net
Treatment options and recommendations depend on several factors, including the phase of the disease, possible side effects, and the patient’s preferences and overall health. Treatments for CML have improved... completely changing how treatment is given and helping many patients live much longer.
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is also called chronic myelogenous leukemia, chronic granulocytic leukemia and chronic myelocytic leukemia. CML is one of four main types of leukemia.
MedlinePlus
Chronic myeloid leukemia usually begins after age 60. Common features include excessive tiredness (fatigue), fever, and weight loss. Many affected individuals develop an enlarged spleen (splenomegaly), which can cause a feeling of fullness in the abdomen and a loss of appetite. About half of people with chronic myeloid leukemia do not initially have any signs and symptoms and are diagnosed when a blood test is performed for another reason.
NORD
Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) accounts of about 20% of all leukemias affecting adults. It typically affects middle-aged individuals and rarely adolescents or children.
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