Phases of Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia

Phases of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) are used to express the extent to which the cancer has spread. It is important to know the phase of CML in order to plan treatment. There are four phases of chronic myelogenous leukemia: chronic, accelerated, blastic, and relapsed. Tests and procedures that may be used to determine the phase of chronic myelogenous leukemia include cytogenetic analysis and bone marrow aspiration and biopsy.

CML
 

Phases of Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia: An Overview

After chronic myelogenous leukemia has been diagnosed, tests are done to find out if the cancer has spread. Normally, the process that is used to find out how far the cancer has spread is referred to as staging. However, there is no standard staging system for chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). Instead, CML is classified by phases, which include:
 
  • Chronic phase
  • Accelerated phase
  • Blastic phase
  • Relapsed.
 
It is important to know the phase in order to plan CML treatment.
 

Phases of Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia: Tests and Procedures

Tests and procedures that may be used to determine the phase of chronic myelogenous leukemia include cytogenetic analysis and bone marrow aspiration and biopsy.
 
Cytogenetic Analysis
A cytogenetic analysis is a test in which cells in a sample of blood or bone marrow are viewed under a microscope to look for certain changes in the chromosomes, such as the Philadelphia chromosome.
 
Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy
A bone marrow aspiration and biopsy is used to remove a small piece of bone and bone marrow by inserting a needle into the hipbone or breastbone. A pathologist will then view both the bone and bone marrow samples under a microscope to look for abnormal cells.
 
(Phases of Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD