Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML)

Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia - Also known as chronic granulocytic leukemia, chronic myeloid leukemia, and CML, chronic myelogenous leukemia is a blood and bone marrow disease characterized by the accelerated growth of blood-forming cells (known as myeloid precursors) in body tissues, bone marrow, and peripheral blood. Most people with chronic myelogenous leukemia have a gene mutation (change) called the Philadelphia chromosome. This occurs when part of the DNA from one chromosome moves to another chromosome, resulting in the bone marrow making too many white blood cells. While chronic myelogenous leukemia can occur in both adults and children, most CML patients are adults. CML is characterized as a chronic leukemia because it usually progresses more slowly (often over a period of many years) than acute leukemia.

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