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The Phases of CML

There are 3 phases of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML): chronic phase, accelerated phase, and blast phase. This guide can help you understand the key differences. Your nurse or doctor can also answer questions you may have. CML treatment options and achievement of recommended treatment milestones may be affected by the stage of your disease.

Chronic Phase
Accelerated Phase
Blast Phase

Chronic Phase CML About 90% of people with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) are in the chronic phase when they are diagnosed.
Symptoms	Percentage of Leukemia Cells in the Blood	Treatment Goals
Usually mild or not present	Less than 10%	Remain in chronic phase

Accelerated Phase CML Cancer cells not only grow more rapidly, but may also develop other changes (called mutations).
Symptoms	Percentage of Leukemia Cells in the Blood	Treatment Goals
May be more noticeable and include fever, poor appetite, fatigue, and weight loss	10% to 19%	Regain control of disease and return to chronic phase

Blast Phase CML Blast cells accumulate and CML acts like an acute leukemia.
Symptoms	Percentage of Leukemia Cells in the Blood	Treatment Goals
Usually present (fever, fatigue, enlarged spleen, weight loss) A serious condition called blast crisis occurs if you have 20% or more of blast cells accompanied by fever, fatigue, and an enlarged spleen	At least 20% (most aggressive phase)	Regain control of disease and return to chronic phase

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