Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia and Benzene

Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), also known as chronic myeloid leukemia, is a type of cancer that affects the blood cells of the myeloid tissue (bone marrow). CML is one of four myeloproliferative diseases, a group of disorders associated with the overproduction of blood cells within the bone marrow. The other three myeloproliferative diseases include:

There are two forms of myeloid leukemia; acute and chronic. While the onset of acute myeloid leukemia can be sudden, the onset of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) can take many years.

Chronic myelogenous leukemia is typically associated with a chromosomal abnormality called the Philadelphia chromosome. Approximately 95% of all people suffering from CML exhibit this abnormality in which chromosomes 9 and 22 are fused together, leading to the production of a protein that propels cell division and fosters further genomic instability.

CML - Blood Cells and Bone Marrow

Bone marrow is responsible for the production of immature stem cells that develop into three types of blood cells:

People suffering from CML produce high levels of abnormal white blood cells that never fully develop into mature white blood cells. These immature white blood cells are labeled myeloid blasts, or myeloblasts. The overproduction of myeloid blasts in conjunction with additional production of abnormal red blood cells and platelets leaves little room for the production of normal cells. These abnormal blood cells, often referred to as leukemia cells, can have a detrimental effect on the body's ability to function correctly.

Symptoms of Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia

Although there are a number of symptoms of chronic myelogenous leukemia, sufferers are often asymptomatic at the time of diagnosis. The bone marrow disease can lay dormant for years before developing into a "blast crisis" phase that mimics the sudden and aggressive nature of AML.

When symptoms of chronic myelogenous leukemia do present themselves, they typically include general discomfort (malaise), increased susceptibility to infection, fever, low red blood cell count (anemia), and/or low platelet count (thrombocytopenia). In some instances, CML sufferers may also suffer from an enlarged spleen (splenomegaly).

Treatment for Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia

Treatment for chronic myelogenous leukemia is judged on a case-by-case basis. The goal of CML treatment is the reduction of leukemic cell growth within the bone marrow. CML treatments vary dependent on whether a case is in the chronic phase or blast crisis phase.

The chronic phase of CML is more responsive to treatments because the disease is in a relatively dormant stage. Chemotherapy is traditionally administered in the form of alkylating agents, interferon and steroids. Recently, a new drug called Imatinib, a selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor, has had some success in treating CML patients in the chronic phase of the disease. The efficacy of combination chemotherapy, in which Imatinib is combined with a more traditional drug like interferon, is currently being evaluated.

The blast crisis phase of CML carries the characteristics and symptoms of AML and therefore has a low rate of survival. The most common method through which to treat blast crisis CML is through the use of high-dose chemotherapy followed by a bone marrow transplant; however, the prognosis is often grim.

The likelihood of CML relapse is more likely in blast crisis patients than it is in chronic phase patients.

Causes of Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia

Chronic myelogenous leukemia has been definitively linked with exposure to an organic chemical compound called benzene. Benzene is commonly used for a variety of commercial and industrial purposes. As such, people are routinely faced with varying levels of exposure to the volatile solvent; most often in an occupational setting. While occupational benzene exposure is always hazardous, it is especially dangerous for expectant mothers as inhalation and/or ingestion of this chemical increases the risk of birth injury.

It is the responsibility of employers operating facilities that deal with benzene or benzene-laden materials to ensure the safety of their employees by taking measures to minimize exposure. Failure to take such measures is deemed negligent and grounds for legal action. Benzene lawsuits are designed to provide compensation for pain, suffering and legal expenses incurred as a result of an employer's negligence. Contact a benzene lawyer to get additional information about your rights as a benzene disease victim. Prompt consultation with a benzene lawyer is also highly advisable in the tragic event of your loved one's death caused by benzene-related disease. An experienced attorney can help you obtain remuneration for your psychological, physical and financial distress by initiating a wrongful death lawsuit against the responsible parties.

MediaFact is an important online resource about drug side effects related to Stevens Johnson Syndrome and Primary Pulmonary Hypertension.