How long can patients with chronic myeloid leukemia live?
Jun 06, 2019
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xing Jian
Introduction
The chronic phase typically lasts approximately 1–4 years. The accelerated phase usually lasts about 6–12 months. Finally, the disease progresses to the terminal (blast) phase, during which it may transform into acute myeloid leukemia or acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Disease progression in this phase is rapid, and patients face a risk of death within weeks or even days.
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a group of malignant disorders characterized by the abnormal proliferation of granulocytes. CML is clinically divided into three phases: the chronic phase, the accelerated phase, and the blast crisis (or acute transformation) phase.
Typically, the natural duration of the chronic phase lasts approximately 1–4 years. The accelerated phase usually persists for about 6–12 months, after which the disease may progress to the terminal blast crisis phase—during which it may transform into acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
Disease progression during the blast crisis phase is rapid, and patients face a significant risk of death within weeks or even days. Therefore, overall survival depends largely on the duration of the chronic phase and, critically, on whether the blast crisis can be effectively controlled.
