About Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
Key Highlights
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Highly Targeted Therapy: TKIs specifically attack the BCR-ABL protein, sparing most healthy cells.Oral Medication: Primary treatment is often in convenient pill form, allowing for outpatient management.Transformed Prognosis: Has changed CML from a fatal disease to a manageable chronic condition for most patients.listrongPersonalized Treatment Plans:/strong Therapy is tailored based on individual risk scores, response, and tolerance./lilistrongGoal of Treatment-Free Remission:/strong With deep molecular response, some patients may safely discontinue medication under close supervision./li/ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Diagnosis of Chronic Phase, Accelerated Phase, or Blast Phase Chronic Myeloid Leukemia confirmed by blood tests, bone marrow biopsy, and cytogenetic/molecular studies (Philadelphia chromosome, BCR-ABL gene).
- Presence of symptoms like fatigue, unexplained weight loss, night sweats, abdominal fullness (from spleen enlargement), or easy bruising/bleeding.
- Incidental finding of a high white blood cell count, especially with immature cells (myelocytes, promyelocytes), on a routine blood test.
- Failure or intolerance to first-line Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor (TKI) therapy.
- Disease progression or relapse after initial treatment.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive Diagnosis: Undergo complete blood count (CBC), bone marrow aspiration and biopsy, and cytogenetic/FISH testing for the Philadelphia chromosome and PCR for BCR-ABL quantification.
- Baseline Assessments: Complete cardiac evaluation (ECG, echocardiogram), liver and kidney function tests, and screening for other infections.
- Consultation: Detailed discussion with the Hemato Oncologist about treatment options (e.g., Imatinib, Dasatinib, Nilotinib), goals, potential side effects, and monitoring schedule.
- Lifestyle & Support: Review all current medications, plan for potential side effect management, and establish a strong support system.
- Financial & Logistical Planning: Understand insurance coverage for long-term medication and arrange for regular follow-up and blood test appointments.
Risks & possible complications
- Medication Side Effects: TKIs can cause fluid retention, muscle cramps, rash, fatigue, nausea, and low blood counts.
- Organ Toxicity: Potential for liver enzyme elevation, heart complications (QT prolongation), or lung issues (pleural effusion with some TKIs).
- Treatment Resistance: Development of mutations in the BCR-ABL gene that make the cancer resistant to specific TKIs.
- Infections: Increased risk due to low white blood cell counts (neutropenia).
- Bleeding/Bruising: Risk associated with low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia).
- Long-Term Effects: Possible impact on bone health, kidney function, and cardiovascular health with prolonged TKI use.
- Stem Cell Transplant Risks: If required, includes graft-versus-host disease, severe infections, and organ damage.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Ongoing Monitoring: Regular blood tests (every 1-3 months initially) and periodic PCR tests to measure molecular response are crucial for life.
- Side Effect Management: Proactively managing medication side effects with supportive care, dose adjustments, or switching TKIs as advised by the oncologist.
- Lifestyle Adaptations: Maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in gentle exercise as tolerated, and avoiding infections through good hygiene.
- Psychological Support: Coping with a chronic cancer diagnosis may require counseling or support groups.
- Achieving Milestones: The recovery journey is measured by achieving hematologic, cytogenetic, and molecular response milestones over months and years.
- Treatment-Free Remission: For eligible patients with a sustained deep molecular response, a carefully monitored attempt to stop medication may be considered.
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Typical hospital stay: 0 days (primarily outpatient) or 4-6 weeks (if stem cell transplant required)
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Expected recovery time: Lifelong management; initial stabilization in 3-6 months
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering chronic myeloid leukemia in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with hemato oncology departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform chronic myeloid leukemia. MediFyr helps you compare hemato oncologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for chronic myeloid leukemia compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | USD 109 – USD 3,263 | 0 days (primarily outpatient) or 4-6 weeks (if stem cell transplant required) | ~ Lifelong management; initial stabilization in 3-6 months | Know More |
| Turkey | USD 805 – USD 24,158 | 0 days (primarily outpatient) or 4-6 weeks (if stem cell transplant required) | ~ Lifelong management; initial stabilization in 3-6 months | Know More |
Dr. m srinivas provided exceptional care...
Dr. m srinivas provided exceptional care for my hemato oncology condition. The treatment was personalized and effective.
Hemato Oncologists for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
Explore experienced hemato oncologists who regularly perform chronic myeloid leukemia and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 14 Years Experience
- Hemato Oncologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar
- 11 Years Experience
- Hemato Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur