Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML)

Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. It usually develops very slowly. 

You might not have symptoms when you are diagnosed. Your CML may be picked up during a routine blood test. 

You usually start by seeing your GP if you have symptoms that could be due to CML. Or your GP might arrange to see you if you have had an abnormal blood test result. They will then decide whether to refer you for further tests or to see a specialist. 

Survival depends on many factors. These figures can only give you a general guide about survival for CML.

Targeted cancer drugs called tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are the main treatment for CML. Find out more about your treatment options, the different treatments and how they monitor treatment is working. 

There are 2 systems to describe how far your CML has developed. You might have 2 or 3 phases. At the moment CML is mainly described using 3 phases. These are chronic, accelerated and blast. Knowing the phase helps your doctor decide which treatment you need.

Research is looking into the causes and treatment of CML. Find out about the latest UK research and how you can take part in trials.

Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) is often a slowly developing condition. Treatment can keep it under control for many years. Find out how to cope and what support is available.
 

We don’t know what causes most cases of CML. But there are some factors that may increase your risk of developing it.