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Hematologic Testing—A Blood Test for CML Leukemia

• There are many leukemia cells in your blood and bone marrow when you are first diagnosed with CML
• However, most people with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) experience a decline in the number of leukemia cells within months of starting treatment

Complete Hematologic Response (CHR)

Complete Cytogenetic Response (CCyR)

Complete Molecular Response

Adapted from Löwenberg B, et al. Minimal residual disease in chronic myeloid leukemia. N Engl J Med. 2003:1399-1401.

Picture the reduction in CML leukemia cells by using this triangle:

• The highest number of leukemia cells are where the triangle is widest
• Achieving a complete hematologic response is your first treatment milestone

Complete Blood Count

• Your doctor will order a complete blood count (CBC), in which a sample of your blood is taken to measure the number of various blood cells and their appearance
• A CBC can detect the potential signs of CML, such as high levels of white blood cells, low levels of red blood cells, and abnormal levels of platelets, and help detect how well your medication is treating your chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)
• Hematologic testing is necessary to check your blood counts and determine if you achieve a complete hematologic response. You will be taking other CML tests specifically designed to detect cells with the Philadelphia chromosome

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