Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Symptoms, Prognosis, and Treatment: A Comprehensive Guide
Treatment Options for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia:
The management of CML involves a combination of targeted therapies, chemotherapy, and bone marrow transplantation. The choice of treatment depends on the phase of the disease, the patient’s age, overall health, and the presence of certain genetic mutations. Common treatment options include:
Targeted Therapy: Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are the mainstay of treatment for CML. Drugs like imatinib, dasatinib, and nilotinib specifically target the abnormal proteins responsible for the growth of cancer cells.
Chemotherapy: In some cases, chemotherapy may be used to reduce the number of cancer cells, especially during the accelerated or blastic phases.
Bone Marrow Transplantation: Also known as stem cell transplant, this procedure involves replacing unhealthy bone marrow with healthy stem cells from a donor.
Clinical Trials: Patients with advanced CML or those who do not respond to standard treatments may consider participating in clinical trials for experimental therapies.