Chronic myelogenous leukemia a type of blood cancer

One type of leukemia that is uncommon is chronic myelogenous leukemia. Due to the fact that it is chronic and not acute, this type of blood cancer develops slower than some other types of leukemia. Myelogenous is the kind of cell which is affected with this kind of cancer.

Although it can occur in any age group, it rarely affects children, however, it can characteristically affect adults.

Unfortunately chronic myelogenous leukemia signs or symptoms are not always noticed in the early stages of its development. An individual may be affected with this type of blood cancer for months or in some case’s years before they notice any of the symptoms or signs.

The signs or symptoms of chronic myelogenous leukemia:

A person may bleed easily, they can feel tired or not have as much energy as they normally have. There is the possibility of having a fever or developing infections more often than usual.

In some cases a person may not have much of an appetite, or they lose weight without being on a diet to trying to reduce their weight.

An individual may have pale kin or pain on their left side below their ribs.

In some cases a person may have what is referred to as night sweats which is excessive sweating during the night.

First there is the development of an abnormal chromosome is the connection to the cause of chronic myelogenous leukemia.

There are normally 23 pairs of chromosomes in an individual’s cells. The DNA which is where genes manipulate cells within a person’s body is in the 23 pairs of chromosomes.

People who develop chronic myelogenous leukemia generally develop a problem with their chromosomes in that a section chromosome nine and section in chromosome 22 trade places. When this happens an unnecessary short chromosome 22 and unneccerssary, long chromosome nine are produced.

The unnecessary short chromosome 22 in commonly known as the Philadelphia chromosome, this chromosome has been found in 90 per cent of individuals who have developed chronic myelogenous leukemia.

Secondly the development of the abnormal chromosome results in a new gene being created. The new gene which is referred to as BCR-ABL is formed when genes of chromosome nine and 22 combine. Genes of BCR-ABL results in a protein known as tyrosine kinase being produced more than required. As a result of too much tyrosine kinase being produced certain blood cells become cancerous and grow uncontrollably.

The third part of what causes chronic myelogenous leukemia is that the gene BCR-ABL which causes too many white blood cells to contain to much tyrosine kinase to have the abnormal Philadelphia chromosome. The infected white blood cells accumulate in large numbers because they force healthy blood cells out and harm the bone marrow.

Things which can increase the risk of an individual developing chronic myelogenous leukemia is being male, being exposed to radiation like the type used in radiation therapy for particular kinds of cancer and being older in age.

There are several tests which a doctor can perform in order for them to diagnosis chronic myelogenous leukemia.

The first test is generally a physical which is checking vital signs like pulse and blood pressure.
During the physical the doctor will check for any abnormalities of the lymph nodes, abdomen and spleen.

By doing a blood test the doctor may possibly detect abnormalities in organ function. Abnormalities may also be found by the doctor doing a complete blood count.

The third test is done by using bone marrow which is collected by using a needle to draw bone marrow from the hipbone.

Samples of the bone marrow are subjected to a special test like fluorescence in situ hybridization commonly referred to as FISH and PCR which is polymerase chain reaction. These tests are used to detect the presence of any BCR-ABL genes or Philadelphia chromosome.

The three stages of chronic myelogenous leukemia are first chronic, second accelerated and third is blastic.

Chronic responds best when treated because it is the first stage of this disease.

In accelerated which is the second stage, the disease is in a phase of transition and is more intrusive.

The third stage is severe and is considered to be life threatening.

There are several treatments which a doctor may recommend for controlling chronic myelogenous leukemia.

The goal of any treatment of this disease is to eradicate any blood cells which are infected with the abnormal BCR-ABL gene.

Unfortunately it is not likely to eradicate all of the infected cells in most people. However, treatments can aid in a long term suspension of chronic myelogenous leukemia.

There are some drugs that may be prescribed that are referred to as targeted drugs. A targeted drug is designed to take measures aimed at specific cancer cells containing the protein created by the gene BCR-ABL, by stopping the actions of tyrosine kinase.

Imatinib also called Gleevec, Dasatinib known by Sprycee and Nilotinib or Tasigna as or may be called are three types of targeted drugs used in treating chronic myelogenous leukemia.

If the disease does not respond to the targeted drug or develops a resistant to it the doctor may choose to try a different drug or some other type of treatment. As with most medications whether it is purchased over the counter or by prescription there are possible side effects.

The only decisive cure associated with chronic myeclogenous leukemia is a bone marrow transplant.
However, due to the fact that a bone marrow transplant as with any type of transplant has risk and a higher rate of possibly serous complications, it is generally used when other treatments have not been effective.

Another type of treatment available is chemotherapy. This type of treatment is many times given by using medication which is taken orally. The side effects of these drugs generally depend on which drugs are used.

Biological therapy uses a drug that takes advantage of the body’s immune system to aid id fighting the cancer. The drug used is generally interferon which is an artificial form of a resistant cell. It may be of aid by reducing the growth of the leukemia cells.