Chronic Leukemia and Related Disorders

These flashcards cover key concepts related to chronic leukemia and its underlying pathophysiology, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.

What is Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML)?

A type of cancer that affects the blood-forming cells in the bone marrow and leads to an increase in white blood cells.

What does the abbreviation CLL stand for?

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.

What are common symptoms of CML during its chronic phase?

Anemia and thrombocytopenia.

What chromosome abnormality is associated with CML?

Philadelphia chromosome (BCR-ABL fusion gene).

What are the three phases of CML?

Chronic phase, accelerated phase, and blast phase.

What is a key characteristic of the blast phase in CML?

An increase in immature white blood cells (blasts) in the blood.

What is a common treatment for CML?

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors like Imatinib (Gleevec).

What is a common complication of chronic inflammatory diseases?

Polycythemia and thrombocytopenia.

What is essential thrombocythemia?

A myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized by increased platelet production.

What does a JAK2 mutation indicate?

It is often found in myeloproliferative neoplasms such as Polycythemia Vera and Essential Thrombocythemia.

Define hyperleukocytosis.

An elevated white blood cell count, often seen in leukemia.

What are some risk factors for chronic myeloid leukaemia?

Exposure to certain chemicals (like benzene), radiation, and family history.

What is the role of cytogenetic analysis in CML diagnosis?

It helps identify the Philadelphia chromosome and other chromosomal abnormalities.

What is thrombocytopenia?

A condition characterized by abnormally low levels of platelets in the blood.

What role does the bone marrow play in blood cell production?

It is the primary site for blood cell formation, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

How does the Philadelphia chromosome contribute to CML?

The BCR-ABL fusion protein it produces leads to uncontrolled cell division.

What are the signs of possible CML progression to the accelerated phase?

Increasing blood cell counts, splenomegaly, and worsening anemia.