leukemia symptoms

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is one of the chronic myeloproliferative disorders, a category that includes polycythemia vera, idiopathic myelofibrosis and essential thrombocythemia. In some cases CML can be cured by bone marrow transplantation, but this procedure is associated with considerable complications in many patients that may result in death or disability. A new drug, imatinib (Gleevec), shows great promise and may extend a patient's life very considerably, but not all patients respond optimally. We have begun a research program at the Clinical Center with the goal of improving survival for more patients with CML than is currently possible. For example, we have initiated a research study whereby patients eligible for transplantation get greatly reduced drug treatment before the transplant. This approach may be associated with a lower risk of complications immediately after the transplant and permits treatment of patients who are older than those generally considered suitable for this approach.

Leukemia Research Study
Imatinib for Chronic Leukemia If you or someone you know is 18 years old or older and has been diagnosed with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) or atypical chronic myelogenous leukemia (aCML), you may be able to participate in a clinical trial evaluating a new therapy. Imatinib has been shown to selectively kill leukemia cells in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Hematologists are evaluating whether imatinib may help improve blood counts and/or reduce or discontinue the need for blood transfusions in these other forms of leukemia.

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute