What does the blast phase of chronic myeloid leukemia mean?

In general, the blast phase of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) represents the terminal stage of disease progression, during which the condition rapidly deteriorates from the chronic or accelerated phase. There is a significant proliferation of blast cells in the bone marrow and peripheral blood, severely suppressing normal hematopoietic function. A detailed analysis is as follows:

Chronic myeloid leukemia is typically divided into three phases: chronic phase, accelerated phase, and blast phase. The blast phase indicates that the disease has entered a highly aggressive stage. In this phase, the proportion of blast cells in the bone marrow exceeds 20%, or there is a marked increase of blasts in the peripheral blood. These abnormal cells lose their ability to differentiate normally, accumulate in large numbers, and infiltrate organs throughout the body. Patients may experience a sudden worsening of pre-existing symptoms, along with new manifestations such as bone pain, bleeding, and infections. Some patients may develop extramedullary infiltration, presenting as lymphadenopathy or skin nodules.

Upon entering the blast phase, patients should immediately seek treatment at a正规 medical institution. Diagnosis should be confirmed through tests such as bone marrow aspiration and complete blood count. Treatment must strictly follow medical guidance and may include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation—patients should not alter treatment plans on their own. During treatment, infection prevention is crucial; patients should maintain good personal hygiene and avoid crowded places. Nutritional intake should be enhanced with high-protein, easily digestible foods to improve physical tolerance. Regular follow-up tests, including bone marrow examinations and blood counts, are essential to closely monitor disease progression and allow timely adjustments to the treatment strategy.