Chronic myeloid (myelogenous) leukaemia (CML) is a type of blood cancer that begins in the blood-forming myeloid cells or stem cells in the bone marrow. This medical condition has other names as well:

 

  • Chronic myelogenous leukaemia

  • Chronic granulocytic leukaemia

 

Over the years, innovative treatments have transformed CML from a potentially life-threatening illness into a manageable chronic condition. It is relatively common, affecting about 1 in 565 people in the U.S. and representing approximately 15% of all leukaemia cases. Read on to learn about its causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

 

Symptoms and Causes

 

What are the causes of CML?

 

People with chronic myeloid leukaemia have an acquired genetic mutation or change in myeloid stem cells growing in their bone marrow. Acquired mutations are not present at birth and neither can you inherit them; they happen during your lifetime.

 

The development of CML is linked to an acquired genetic mutation in the myeloid stem cells within the bone marrow, leading to the creation of a new fused gene, BCR-ABL. This gene triggers a series of events that result in the uncontrolled division and multiplication of myeloid stem cells, leading to an overproduction of immature white blood cells.

 

What are CML symptoms?

 

You can have chronic myeloid leukaemia without having noticeable symptoms. However, its symptoms can get worse over time. Common CML symptoms may include:

 

  • Fever

  • Night sweats

  • Fatigue or weakness

  • Shortness of breath

  • Unexplained weight loss

  • Feeling full when you haven’t eaten much

  • Abdominal swelling or discomfort in the upper left part of your belly

 

What are the risk factors for CML?

 

The only risk factor for chronic myeloid leukaemia is exposure to high levels of radiation, which applies to very few people.

 

What are the complications associated with CML?

 

People with CML may develop:

 

  • Anaemia - It is a condition when you don’t have enough red blood cells

  • Enlarged spleen (splenomegaly)

 

Can chronic myeloid leukaemia lead to other types of cancer?

 

The answer is YES, people with CML have an increased risk of other types of cancers, like:

 

  • Prostate cancer

  • Stomach cancer

  • Thyroid cancer

  • Small intestine cancer

  • Lung cancer

 

Managing CML with Veenat 100mg Tablet

 

Veenat tablets contain imatinib 100 mg, which belongs to the medicine class of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI), and are used to treat chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML). It is the first TKI to be approved for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukaemia and is still considered the first line of treatment option. 

 

How it works

Imatinib capsules Veenat 100 work by preventing cancer cells from multiplying and slowing down their growth. 

 

Precautions

You should not use Veenat capsules if you have ever had:

 

  • Chemotherapy

  • Kidney disease

  • Diabetes

  • Liver disease (especially hepatitis B)

  • An underactive thyroid, recent or upcoming thyroid surgery

  • Heart disease, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure

  • A stomach ulcer or bleeding



Side effects

Some common side effects of imatinib are:

 

  • Fluid retention

  • Feeling tired

  • Joint or muscle pain

  • Nausea, stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhoea

  • Skin rash

 

However, get emergency help if you have signs of an allergic reaction like facial or throat swelling, difficulty breathing, or hives. Call your doctor if you have any of these:

 

  • Fluid retention

  • Low blood cell counts

  • Kidney problems

  • Thyroid symptoms

  • Signs of stomach bleeding

  • Signs of tumour cell breakdown

 

Contraindications

Sometimes, it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. They can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medication less effective.

 

  • Seizure medicine

  • An antibiotic, antiviral medicine or antifungal

  • A blood thinner such as warfarin (Jantoven, Coumadin)

  • A mineral or vitamin supplement that contains iron

 

Takeaway

Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. While it is a serious condition, advancements in treatment have made it possible to achieve long-term remission, where you feel healthy and tests show no signs of cancer. Many individuals with CML can live as long as those without the condition. Moreover, recent research suggests that, for some patients, CML can remain in remission even after treatment is stopped. It's important to note that this opportunity may not be available to everyone with CML. If you have CML, consider discussing with your healthcare provider about newer treatments or participating in clinical trials for a chance to live free of CML.