Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia

Overview

Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is a slowly developing blood cancer that starts in the bone marrow. Also called chronic myeloid leukemia, CML typically occurs during or after middle age. Normally, your bone marrow stem cells — immature cells that renew and repair tissue — develop into mature blood cells. In CML, your bone marrow produces an excessive number of mature and immature abnormal white blood cells called leukemic cells.

Over time, the leukemic cells crowd out healthy white blood cells as well as red blood cells and platelets. Although signs and symptoms may include tiredness, fever and night sweats, some people with CML may not have symptoms for years.

Why choose Mayo Clinic

• Expertise and experience. Mayo Clinic has blood disorder specialists (hematologists) who focus exclusively on evaluating and treating people with CML. These specialists have extensive experience in multiple CML treatment options, including blood and marrow transplantation. Additionally, Mayo Clinic is active in research designed to develop innovative ways to diagnose and treat CML.
• Blood and marrow transplant program. For individuals who need a blood and marrow transplant to treat CML, Mayo Clinic is the largest transplant practice in the United States. Mayo Clinic's blood and marrow transplant program offers a number of specialized treatments that may not be available in many other centers in the United States.
• World-famous services. Mayo Clinic doctors are internationally known for their diagnostic and treatment skills. With one of the largest clinical laboratories in the world, pathologists analyze blood and tissue samples not only for people seeking care at Mayo Clinic, but also for people across the U.S. and around the world.
• Efficiency and teamwork. Mayo Clinic's teamwork system brings together the specialists you need to create a customized treatment plan for you. All testing and treatment planning usually can be completed in a few days rather than in several weeks.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., and in Jacksonville, Fla., are ranked among the Best Hospitals for cancer by U.S. News & World Report.

Read more about chronic myelogenous leukemia at MayoClinic.com.