CML Chemotherapy

 

Leukemia is a form of cancer in blood cells. One can have four different types of leukemia viz.

  1. Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
  2. Acute Myeloid Leukemia
  3. Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
  4. Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

In this section we will elaborate on Chronic Myeloid Leukemia also abbreviated as CML. The chances of CML progresses with one’s age it is seen more in middle to old age people. A very small number of cases are noticed among children. In CML the cancer starts at bone marrow. Bone marrow contains a specialized cell called stem cells which divide identically to form blood cells. There are two different histological stem cells. Myeloid Stem Cells form Red blood corpuscles plus platelets and granulocytes (which form a minor constituent of WBC). Lymphocyte Stem Cells form lymphocyte that is a major element of WBC.

RBC forms the red color of blood due to presence of hemoglobin, RBC carries oxygen to different parts of the body. Platelets perform blood clotting and thus prevent excessive blood clot due to an injury or cut. WBC is the fighter cell that fights infections.

Genes carry different messages for cellular functioning. There are numerous genes present on a chromosome, which forms a part of DNA. CML is characterized by the fusion in two separate genes from different chromosomes during cellular division to form a new chromosome also called as Philadelphia chromosome. Leukemia cells are distinguished by different Philadelphia chromosomes in each cell.

Symptoms of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

Symptoms in approaching stage of CML are very mild like:

  1. Tiredness
  2. Loss of appetite
  3. Weight Loss
  4. Night Sweats

However if CML has been progressing for some time, the symptoms are more noticeable, this envelops:

  1. Frequent infections
  2. Wearing a pale and tired appearance
  3. Easy bleeding and bruising even by a small cut
  4. Itching all over the body

Such irregularities must be unfailingly intimated to a doctor without delay. If your GP suspects a probability of leukemia he/she right away refers you to a Hematologist or an Oncologist. . The first and foremost test for leukemia is done by examining your blood sample. If blood cells show any leukemia the doctor will further take a sample of bone marrow cells to study. Bone marrow cells are extracted from the hip bone at the pelvic region under the control of a local anesthesia. Your doctors might give you some sedative beforehand to lessen the pain.

CML Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the most promising treatment for CML as chemotherapy drugs could be showered into the blood stream directly to travel and destroy the leukemic cells. Chemotherapy kills the cancer cells thus shrinking the tumor size. In case of acute Leukemia doctors might use a combination of different drugs. These chemotherapy drugs could be introduced by an intravenous route along the central line on chest region or in the PICC line at the crook of your arm.

Side Effects of CML Chemotherapy

The degree and severity of side effect varies with dosage and physical health of an individual. Some common side effects are:

  1. Alopecia: Hair loss
  2. Anemia
  3. A pale and dull appearance
  4. Bruising and bleeding
  5. Passage of blood in stool and urine
  6. Lowered immunity
  7. Loose appetite
  8. Nausea and vomiting
  9. Weakness and fatigue

Undoubtedly, these irregularities might be concerning but these fade away once the treatment is over. Patients under chemotherapy treatment experience a chemical turmoil within their body. Some points must always be kept in mind during the course of medication like:

  1. One must be precarious to take the preventive birth control pills as conceiving under the influence of chemotherapy drugs is hazardous for the development of fetus
  2. Women must be extra cautious to keep away from breast feeding or nursing their child while taking chemotherapy treatments
  3. One must inform their medical practitioner about any to every over the counter drugs and herbal or homeopathic medicines they are taking during medication
  4. Any vaccination and immunization must be strictly avoided during the course of chemotherapy