Chronic Myelogenous Leukaemia

CML Treatment in India - Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia Treatment Options

This short explains the main treatments for Chronic Myelogenous Leukaemia (CML). These treatments aim to control the disease and manage symptoms.

Targeted therapy

The primary treatment for CML is a type of targeted drug called a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, or TKI. These are usually taken as daily tablets.

• How TKIs work. These drugs find and block the specific protein that causes CML cells to grow and multiply, without harming healthy cells as much as chemotherapy.
• Types of TKI. There are several different TKI drugs. The choice of drug depends on the phase of your CML, your general health, and any previous treatments.
• Monitoring your response. You will have regular blood tests to check how well the treatment is working. This helps your specialist decide if the dose is correct or if a different TKI is needed.
• Treatment duration. For most people, TKI therapy is a lifelong treatment. It controls the CML but does not usually cure it.

Other treatment options

While TKIs are the standard treatment, other options may be considered in specific situations.

• Stem cell transplant. This is an intensive treatment that may be an option for younger, fitter patients, or if TKI therapy is not effective. It involves high-dose chemotherapy followed by an infusion of healthy stem cells from a donor.
• Chemotherapy. Conventional chemotherapy is not often used as a main treatment for CML today. It may be used to quickly lower a very high white blood cell count at diagnosis, or for advanced disease.
• Clinical trials. You may be able to join a clinical trial studying new drugs or combinations of treatments. This can give you access to newer therapies.

Treatment by CML phase

The choice of treatment is also guided by the phase of the disease.

• Chronic phase. Most people are diagnosed in this phase. Treatment with a TKI is usually very effective at controlling the leukaemia for many years.
• Accelerated phase. In this phase, the leukaemia is changing. Your specialist may suggest changing to a different TKI or considering a stem cell transplant.
• Blast phase. This is the most advanced phase, where CML acts like an acute leukaemia. Treatment is more intensive and may involve chemotherapy as well as a TKI.

The most suitable treatment plan is different for each person. It depends on the specific phase of the CML, your overall health, and a specialist's detailed review of your medical reports and tests.