Chronic Myelocytic ( Or Myelogenous ) Leukemia ( Cml )

Introduction Chronic myelocytic (or myelogenous) leukemia (CML) is a rare disease worldwide 2000); however, the innovative advances and successes of CML’s targeted-molecular therapy have kept CML â€Å"at the forefront of scientific attention† (Lee 2000). Like other forms of leukemia, CML is a type of cancer that starts in the blood-forming cells of the bone marrow. In particular, CML begins in myeloid stem cells, the cells that differentiate into platelets, red blood cells, and some white blood cells (e.g., granular leukocytes). These cells undergo genetic changes that cause white blood cells to not function normally and divide rapidly. The resulting abnormal leukemia cells build up in the bone marrow and interfere with the production of normal blood cells (platelets, RBCs, and granular leukocytes). Additionally, leukemia cells move into the blood stream and can spread to other organs (e.g., spleen). Unlike acute leukemia, which progresses very quickly, chronic leukemia progr esses more slowly and can take a long time before causing health problems (American Cancer Society). According to the American Cancer Society, â€Å"one person in 55 will get CML in their lifetime in the United States† (American Cancer Society). The occurrence of the disease increases with age (average age of CML diagnosis: 64 years) and is rarely seen in children. For an unknown reason, slightly more males have CML as compared to females. The one potentially controllable risk factor is exposure toShow MoreRelatedEssay about Reseach on Leukemia2551 Words   |  11 Pagesâ€Å"LEUKEMIA† CANCER OF THE BLOOD INTRODUCTION â€Å"You have to realize that every well person is a miracle, it takes billions of cells to make up a person, and it will only take one cell to be bad to destroy the whole person†, this quote is from Barbara Bush from one of her past interviews about a daughter she lost with leukemia (Cunningham, 1988). This quote reminded me five years ago, when my niece was diagnosed with leukemia. She does not only have one bad cell inside her body but she has extra