Overview
What is chronic myeloid leukaemia?
Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML), also called chronic myelogenous leukaemia, is a rare type of cancer that affects the bone marrow and white blood cells.
It can be diagnosed at any age but is more common in people aged 65 or over.
CML develops slowly, over several years, and is usually treatable.
Symptoms
Symptoms of chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) are not always obvious and can be similar to other conditions.
You may not have any symptoms in the early stages.
If you do have symptoms, they can include:
- feeling tired or weak
- bleeding or bruising easily or for no reason
- looking more pale than usual – on brown or black skin this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or insides of your eyelids
- getting ill a lot or taking longer than usual to recover from illnesses
- swollen glands, usually in the neck, armpits and groin
- aches and pains in your bones
- loss of appetite or losing weight without trying
- swollen tummy – your tummy may feel painful, uncomfortable or full
- night sweats
- headaches
Less common symptoms include:
See a GP if:
- you have symptoms of chronic myeloid leukaemia
Call 999 or go to A&E if:
you have an erection that lasts more than 2 hours
An erection that lasts this long needs to be treated in hospital as soon as possible to avoid permanent damage to the penis.
Find your nearest A&E
Important
Most of these symptoms are common and can be caused by many different conditions.
Having them does not definitely mean you have CML. But it's important to get them checked by a GP.
This is because if they're caused by leukaemia, finding it early may mean it's easier to treat.
What happens at the GP appointment
The GP will usually examine you. This may include checking your skin for bruises, and examining any areas that are swollen or painful.
They may also arrange for a blood test.
They may refer you for more tests or to see a specialist in hospital.
Find out more
Cancer Research UK: seeing your GP when you have symptoms of chronic myeloid leukaemia
Causes
Who is more likely to get chronic myeloid leukaemia
Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) is rare. It's not always clear what causes it.
Anyone can get it, but you may be more likely to get it if you're aged 65 or over.
It's important to get any symptoms of CML checked by a GP.
Tests and next steps
If the GP refers you to a specialist (haematologist), you may need some tests to check for chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML).
Tests may include:
- blood tests
- taking a small sample from the bone marrow using a needle (biopsy), to be checked for cancer
If you have a bone marrow biopsy, you'll usually have a local anaesthetic to stop you feeling any pain. You may also be given medicine to help you relax (sedation).
Getting your results
It can take a few weeks to get the results of your tests.
Try not to worry if your results are taking a long time to get to you. It does not definitely mean anything is wrong.
You can call the hospital or GP if you're worried. They should be able to give you an update on when you'll get your results.
When you get your test results, a specialist will explain what they mean and what will happen next.
If you're told you have CML
Hearing that you have CML can feel overwhelming. You may be feeling anxious about what will happen next.
A group of specialists will look after you throughout the diagnosis, treatment and beyond.
The team includes a clinical nurse specialist (also called a specialist haematology nurse). They will be your main point of contact during and after treatment.
If you have any questions, the clinical nurse specialist will be able to help.
Information:
Macmillan Cancer Support has a free helpline that's open every day from 8am to 8pm.
They're there to listen if you have anything you want to talk about.
Call 0808 808 0000.
Next steps
If you've been told you have CML, you usually need more tests.
Tests may include:
The specialist team uses the results to find out which phase your CML is in (this is called staging).
There are 3 phases of CML:
- chronic phase
- accelerated phase
- blast phase
The team will talk to you about options and decide on the best treatment plan based on the phase of your CML.
Treatment
Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) usually develops very slowly. You may not need treatment straight away.
Treatment will depend on:
- the phase (or stage) of your CML
- your age
- your general health
It will usually include targeted cancer medicines. You may also be offered chemotherapy or a stem cell transplant.
Treatments to prevent and manage symptoms (called supportive treatments) will also be offered.
The specialist care team looking after you will:
- explain the treatments, benefits and side effects
- work with you to create a treatment plan
- help manage any side effects
You'll have regular check-ups during and after any treatments. You may also have tests and scans.
If you have any symptoms or side effects that you're worried about, talk to your specialists. You do not need to wait for your next check-up.
Targeted medicines
Targeted medicines aim to stop cancer growing.
The main treatment for CML is targeted medicines called tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs).
There are many different TKIs. If you're having side effects from a particular TKI, or tests show that it is not working, your specialist may try you on a different one.
Find out more
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses medicines to kill cancer cells.
Some people with CML need to have chemotherapy.
You may need to have chemotherapy:
- to control your symptoms
- before having a stem cell transplant
- if your CML is in the acute (blast) phase
Find out more
Stem cell transplant
A stem cell transplant replaces damaged blood cells with healthy ones.
You may need to have a stem cell transplant to treat CML if:
- targeted cancer drugs are no longer working to control your cancer
- your cancer is in the acute (blast) phase or accelerated phase
Find out more
Supportive treatments
You may need treatment to help with symptoms caused by CML or by the cancer medicines and chemotherapy.
Supportive treatments may include:
- medicines such as antibiotics to treat infections
- blood transfusions
- vaccines to help protect you from illnesses such as flu and COVID-19
Find out more
Help and support
You and your loved ones will be supported throughout the treatment by a group of specialists.
The clinical nurse specialist, or another member of your specialist team, will be able to give you information on local support services that you may find helpful.
There are also national cancer charities that offer support and information about chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML).
Blood Cancer UK
Information and support for anyone affected by blood cancer.
Leukaemia Care
Information and support for anyone affected by leukaemia.
Macmillan Cancer Support
Information and support for anyone affected by cancer.
Cancer Research UK
Information and support for anyone affected by cancer.
Marie Curie
Care and support for anyone affected by a terminal illness.
The information on this page has been adapted by NHS Wales from original content supplied by 
NHS website nhs.uk
Last Updated:
20/11/2024 13:42:47