According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a kind of leukemia that affects myeloid cells of the immune system. The bone marrow of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia makes an excess of non-functioning white blood cells. This overproduction of white blood cells outcompetes the growth of other important cells like red blood cells, leading to conditions such as anemia.
Leukemias are distinguished by uncontrolled proliferation of white blood cells.
Image Source: STEVE GSCHMEISSNER
One type of CML results from a genetic mutation called a Philadelphia translocation. A Philadelphia translocation occurs when the end portion of chromosome 9 is switched with the end portion of chromosome 22. Although any type of leukemia is not a good diagnosis, fortunately, this form of CML can be successfully treated using the drug called imatinib.
Regular cells are able to control the mechanisms involved with their cell division. However, people who suffer from CML have cells that produce a mutant protein which uncontrollably adds phosphate groups to other proteins. This activates the cell division cycle and leads to the continuous cell replication. Fortunately, scientists have figured out how to treat Philadelphia translocation CML. Imatinib blocks the mutated protein’s ability to phosphorylate, rendering it inactive and therefore treating the leukemia. Imatinib must be taken for life, however, or else the symptoms will return. The only way to truly cure chronic myeloid leukemia is through a bone marrow transplant. The NCI notes the scarcity of available donor tissue and the riskiness of the procedure. Alternative methods of treating this disease would effectively save lives!
Hopefully you will never have to use imatinib. That being said, if you or someone you know are ever diagnosed with CML, you now at least have an understanding of the disease is and it is possible treatments. Drugs like imatinib give hope to those suffering from CML–hope of a cancer free life.
