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GLEEVEC® (imatinib mesylate) tablets and TASIGNA® (nilotinib) 150-mg and 200-mg capsules are available only by prescription.
About CML
Diagnostic & Monitoring Tests
How Philadelphia chromosome-positive CML (Ph+ CML) is diagnosed.
About half of all Ph+ CML patients do not have symptoms at the time the disease is diagnosed, and no standard screening process exists for detecting early-stage leukemia. A physician may find Ph+ CML during a routine blood test. Blood tests are done to count the different types of blood cells in your blood. A blood sample is looked at under the microscope, and if an abnormally high number of mature and maturing white blood cells are noted, a bone marrow biopsy may be done. In this procedure, a small bone marrow sample is taken by a needle inserted into your hip bone. This bone marrow is looked at and evaluated under a microscope.
Confirmation of Ph+ CML: A diagnosis of Ph+ CML is suggested by the finding of the Philadelphia chromosome in cells of the bone marrow. At the time of diagnosis, Ph+ CML patients typically have a significantly elevated white blood cell count. If the Ph chromosome is also present, the diagnosis is strengthened. Approximately 95% of patients with CML test positive for the Ph chromosome. However, a finding of Ph+ is not sufficient by itself to confirm a diagnosis, as there are other forms of leukemia in which the Philadelphia chromosome appears. But it is an important piece of the diagnostic puzzle.
What kinds of tests are used to diagnose Ph+ CML?
There are several tests that examine blood and bone marrow cells to diagnose Ph+ CML. The Ph chromosome is detected in the bone marrow of approximately 95% of patients with CML and is one of the main indicators of the disease. At the time of diagnosis, Ph+ CML patients typically have a significantly elevated white blood cell count.
Complete Blood Count (CBC): This is a test that measures the number and type of cells in your blood. Individuals with Ph+ CML have an increased white blood cell count, often to very high levels. Examination of blood cells under a microscope shows a pattern of white cells characteristic of this disease: a small proportion of very immature cells (leukemic blast cells and promyelocytes) and a larger proportion of maturing and fully matured white cells (myelocytes and neutrophils). Blast cells, promyelocytes, and myelocytes are not present in the blood of healthy individuals.
Your doctor may recommend you have blood tests every week or every other week for the first few months after starting treatment, followed by periodic blood tests when indicated.
Cytogenetic analysis: This test measures the number and structure of your chromosomes. A sample of blood or bone marrow is examined to determine if there is a chromosomal abnormality. The presence of the Ph chromosome in the bone marrow cells, a high white blood cell count, and other characteristic blood and marrow test findings help confirm the diagnosis of Ph+ CML.
Once diagnosed, these cytogenetic analyses may be performed at 6, 12, and 18 months following treatment. If a complete cytogenetic response (CCyR) is achieved at any of the earlier time points, then conventional cytogenetics do not need to be repeated, or may be performed as clinically indicated. (See Ph+ CML Remission)
Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH): This chromosome test for Ph+ CML is more sensitive than standard cytogenetics (also called karyotyping) that are used to detect the BCR-ABL gene within the Ph+ CML chromosome. This method identifies cells in which the nucleus contains chromosomes that have the BCR-ABL translocation (chromosome 9;22) that is characteristic of Ph+ CML.
FISH can detect chromosomal abnormality via blood cells and does not require a bone marrow examination. For that reason, it is also useful for following the effects of Ph+ CML treatment. FISH can determine whether a considerable number of Ph+ CML cells have decreased in the blood.
Laboratory monitoring may need to be done more or less frequently depending on your doctor's discretion.
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR): This is a sensitive test of blood cells. The PCR test can detect the alteration in DNA caused by the chromosome 9;22 translocation found in Ph+ CML. This testing method is more sensitive than FISH. It is capable of finding one BCR-ABL cell out of one million normal cells, and it can be done on either blood or bone marrow cells. Quantitative PCR is used to determine the amount of BCR-ABL in the blood.
PCR may also be used to quantify the decrease in the amount of BCR-ABL after therapy and to measure if Ph+ CML cell counts are stable during patient follow-up after treatment.
Some doctors may recommend a PCR test in order to get a baseline reading of the number of Ph+ cells in order to track treatment progress. PCR is recommended every 3 months when a patient is responding to therapy, and every 3 to 6 months when a CCyR is reached, or as recommended by your doctor. (See Cytogenetic response)
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
What is the most important information to know about prescription TASIGNA?
TASIGNA can cause a possible life-threatening heart problem called QT prolongation.
QT prolongation causes an irregular heartbeat, which may lead to sudden death.
Your doctor should check your heart with a test called an electrocardiogram (ECG):
- Before starting TASIGNA
- 7 days after starting TASIGNA
- With any dose change
- Regularly during TASIGNA treatment
TASIGNA Indications
TASIGNA is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with newly diagnosed Philadelphia chromosome–positive chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph+ CML) in chronic phase. The efficacy of TASIGNA is based on major molecular response and cytogenetic response rates. The study is on-going and more data will be needed to determine long-term outcomes.
TASIGNA is also used to treat chronic phase or accelerated phase Philadelphia chromosome–positive chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph+ CML) in adults who are no longer benefiting from previous other treatments, including imatinib (Gleevec®), or have taken other treatments, including imatinib (Gleevec) but cannot tolerate them. The efficacy of TASIGNA is based on hematologic response and cytogenetic response rates.
GLEEVEC Indications
GLEEVEC® (imatinib mesylate) tablets are indicated for:
- Newly diagnosed adult and pediatric patients with Philadelphia chromosome–positive chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph+ CML) in the chronic phase
- Patients with Ph+ CML in blast crisis (BC), accelerated phase (AP), or in the chronic phase (CP) after failure of interferon-alpha therapy
For full Important Information about TASIGNA and GLEEVEC, click here.
TASIGNA® (nilotinib) Indications
TASIGNA is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with newly diagnosed Philadelphia chromosome–positive chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph+ CML) in chronic phase. The efficacy of TASIGNA is based on major molecular response and cytogenetic response rates. The study is on-going and more data will be needed to determine long-term outcomes.
TASIGNA is also used to treat chronic phase or accelerated phase Philadelphia chromosome–positive chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph+ CML) in adults who are no longer benefiting from previous other treatments, including imatinib (Gleevec), or have taken other treatments, including imatinib (Gleevec) but cannot tolerate them. The efficacy of TASIGNA is based on hematologic response and cytogenetic response rates.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT TASIGNA® (nilotinib)
What is the most important information to know about prescription TASIGNA?
TASIGNA can cause a possible life-threatening heart problem called QT prolongation.
QT prolongation causes an irregular heartbeat, which may lead to sudden death.
Your doctor should check your heart with a test called an electrocardiogram (ECG):
Before starting TASIGNA
7 days after starting TASIGNA
With any dose changes
Regularly during TASIGNA treatment
You may lower your chances for having QT prolongation with TASIGNA if you:
- Take TASIGNA on an empty stomach
- DO NOT TAKE TASIGNA WITH FOOD
- Food can affect the levels of TASIGNA in your body, which can lead to serious side effects
- Taking TASIGNA on an empty stomach may lower your chances of having a possibly life-threatening heart problem called QT prolongation
- QT prolongation causes an irregular heartbeat, which may lead to sudden death
Who should not take TASIGNA?
Do not take if you have:
- Low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood
- Long QTc syndrome
Taking TASIGNA:
- TASIGNA should be taken exactly as instructed by your doctor. Do not change the dose or stop taking TASIGNA unless instructed to by your doctor.
- Take TASIGNA at least 2 hours after eating any food
- After taking TASIGNA, wait at least 1 hour before eating any food
- Avoid grapefruit, grapefruit juice, and any supplement containing grapefruit extract while taking TASIGNA. Food and grapefruit products increase the amount of TASIGNA in your body
- Avoid taking other medicines or other supplements with TASIGNA that can also cause QT prolongation
- Swallow TASIGNA capsules whole with water. If you cannot swallow TASIGNA capsules whole, tell your doctor
- If you cannot swallow TASIGNA capsules whole:
- Open the TASIGNA capsules and sprinkle the contents in 1 teaspoon of applesauce (puréed apple)
- Swallow the mixture right away (within 15 minutes)
- Do not drink grapefruit juice, eat grapefruit, or take supplements containing grapefruit extract. It may affect the levels of TASIGNA in the blood
- If you miss a dose, take your next dose as scheduled. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose
- Do not use more than 1 teaspoon of applesauce
- Only use applesauce. Do not sprinkle TASIGNA onto other foods
Before taking TASIGNA
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about all other medication(s) you may be taking, including prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements, since they may affect how TASIGNA works and increase your chance of serious and life-threatening side effects.
Tell your doctor if:
- You have a heart disorder or are taking medication for the heart
- You have an irregular heartbeat
- You have QT prolongation or a family history of it
- You have liver problems
- You know that you suffer from low blood levels of electrolytes, such as potassium, magnesium, or calcium
- You have a pancreas disorder
- You have had a surgical procedure involving the removal of the entire stomach (total gastrectomy)
Also tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or lactose-intolerant. The TASIGNA capsules contain lactose. Most patients who have mild or moderate lactose intolerance can take TASIGNA.
Serious side effects
TASIGNA may cause serious side effects including:
- QT prolongation. Call your doctor right away if you feel lightheaded, faint or have an irregular heartbeat while taking TASIGNA. These can be symptoms of QT prolongation, a possible life-threatening heart problem
- Low blood counts. Low blood counts are common with TASIGNA. Your doctor will check your blood counts regularly during treatment with TASIGNA. Symptoms of low blood counts include:
- Unexplained bleeding or bruising
- Blood in urine or stool
- Unexplained weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Liver damage. Symptoms include yellow skin and eyes
- Pancreas inflammation (pancreatitis). Symptoms include sudden stomach area pain with nausea and vomiting
- Bleeding in the brain. Symptoms include sudden headache, changes in your eyesight, not being aware of what is going on around you and becoming unconscious
- Tumor Lysis Syndrome (TLS). TLS is caused by a fast breakdown of cancer cells. TLS can cause you to have:
- kidney failure and the need for dialysis treatment
- an abnormal heart beat
Your doctor may do blood tests to check you for TLS
Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms. Your doctor may change your dose. Your doctor may have you stop TASIGNA for some time or lower your dose if you have side effects with it.
Common side effects
Most patients experience side effects at some time. Some common side effects you may experience include:
- Low blood count
- Rash
- Nausea
- Fever
- Stomach (abdominal) pain
- Headache
- Itching
- Muscle and joint pain
- Tiredness
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Back pain
- Muscle spasms
- Weakness
- Hair loss
- Runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat
- Cough
Be sure to tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any side effects during treatment with TASIGNA. You are encouraged to report side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
It is not known if TASIGNA is safe or effective in children.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. TASIGNA may harm your unborn baby. If you are able to become pregnant, you should use effective birth control during treatment with TASIGNA. Talk to your doctor about the best birth control methods to prevent pregnancy while you are taking TASIGNA.
Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed. It is not known if TASIGNA passes into your breast milk. You and your doctor should decide if you will take TASIGNA or breast-feed. You should not do both.
If you take too much TASIGNA, call your doctor or poison control center right away.
Your doctor will check your heart, do regular blood tests, and take bone marrow samples during treatment with TASIGNA. These are done to check for side effects with TASIGNA and to see how well TASIGNA is working for you. Your doctor should check your blood to monitor the amount of blood cells (white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets) during treatment. These should be checked every 2 weeks for the first 2 months and then monthly thereafter, or as considered necessary by your doctor.
Please see the full prescribing information including the Boxed WARNING, and the TASIGNA Medication Guide.
Click here for full Prescribing Information
Important information about GLEEVEC® (imatinib mesylate)
GLEEVEC® (imatinib mesylate) is available only by prescription.
GLEEVEC® Indications
GLEEVEC® (imatinib mesylate) tablets are indicated for:
- Newly diagnosed adult and pediatric patients with Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph+ CML) in the chronic phase
- Patients with Ph+ CML in blast crisis (BC), accelerated phase (AP), or in the chronic phase (CP) after failure of interferon-alpha therapy
SAFETY: Important product information (Please click here for full Prescribing Information.)
Who should NOT take GLEEVEC
- Women who are or could be pregnant. Harm to the unborn child can occur when administered to pregnant women. Therefore, women should not become pregnant and should be advised of the potential risk to the unborn child if GLEEVEC is used during pregnancy
- Women who are breastfeeding because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants
Sexually active females should use highly effective birth control while taking GLEEVEC.
Be sure to talk to your doctor and/or healthcare professional about these issues before taking GLEEVEC.
Warnings and precautions
- GLEEVEC is often associated with edema (swelling) and serious fluid retention. It is important that patients be weighed and monitored regularly for signs and symptoms of serious fluid retention or unexpected weight gain. Patients experiencing unexpected, rapid weight gain should speak to their doctor about appropriate supportive care treatment. Studies have shown that edema tended to occur more often among patients who are 65 and older or those taking higher doses of GLEEVEC. If you experience severe fluid retention, your doctor may treat you with diuretics and may stop your GLEEVEC treatment until the fluid retention has been managed. Treatment can be returned as appropriate depending on the initial severity of the event
- Cytopenias (reduction or lack of certain cell elements in blood circulation) have occurred. Your doctor will test your blood weekly for the first month, biweekly for the second month, and periodically thereafter. In most cases, your doctor will reduce or interrupt your GLEEVEC therapy; in rare cases, if the cytopenia is severe, your doctor may discontinue treatment
- Severe congestive heart failure (impaired ability of the heart to pump blood) and left ventricular dysfunction (impaired functioning of the left side of the heart) have been reported, particularly in patients with other health issues and risk factors. Patients with heart disease or risk factors for heart disease or history of renal failure will be monitored and treated for the condition
- Severe liver problems (hepatotoxicity) may occur. Cases of fatal liver failure and severe liver injury requiring liver transplants have been reported with both short-term and long-term use of GLEEVEC. Your doctor will check your liver function before beginning treatment and continue to monitor liver function as needed. If you experience severe liver problems, your doctor may stop your treatment with GLEEVEC until the liver problem has been managed
- Bleeding may occur. Severe gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding has been reported in patients with Ph+ CML; therefore, GI symptoms should be monitored at the start of treatment
- GI perforation (small holes or tears in the wall of the stomach or intestine), in some cases fatal, has been reported
- In patients with hypereosinophilic syndrome (a condition with increased eosinophils, which are a type of white blood cell) and heart involvement, cases of heart disease have been associated with the initiation of GLEEVEC therapy. Speak to your doctor regarding appropriate supportive care or discontinuing GLEEVEC
- Skin reactions, such as fluid-filled blisters, have been reported with the use of GLEEVEC
- Clinical cases of hypothyroidism (reduction in thyroid hormones) have been reported in patients taking levothyroxine replacement during treatment with GLEEVEC. Your doctor should closely monitor your thyroid hormone levels
- Long-term use may result in potential liver, kidney, and/or heart toxicities. Immune system suppression may also result from long-term use
- GLEEVEC can cause harm to the unborn child when administered to a pregnant woman. Women should be aware of the potential harm to the fetus. Be sure to inform your doctor if you are or think you may be pregnant. You should not breastfeed while taking GLEEVEC
- Growth retardation (slowing of growth) has been reported in children taking GLEEVEC. The long-term effects of extended treatment with GLEEVEC on growth in children are unknown. Growth retardation may be monitored in children receiving treatment
- Cases of tumor lysis syndrome (TLS), which refers to an electrolyte disturbance caused by the breakdown of tumor cells, have been reported and can be life threatening in some cases. The patients at risk of TLS are those who have a higher number of tumor cells and whose tumors are fast-growing before beginning therapy. Your doctor should monitor you closely and take appropriate precautions. Correction of clinically significant dehydration and treatment of high uric acid levels are recommended prior to initiation of GLEEVEC
- Motor vehicle accidents involving patients receiving GLEEVEC have been reported. Patients should be advised that they may experience undesirable effects such as dizziness, blurred vision, or drowsiness during treatment with GLEEVEC. Caution should be recommended when driving a car or operating machinery
Additional important safety information
The following serious side effects have been reported by patients taking GLEEVEC:
- Severe fluid retention (holding water), which can cause swelling around the eyes or swelling of the lower legs, lungs, and heart; fatal in rare cases
- Increased pressure in the heart or brain; fatal in rare cases
- Low levels of certain blood cells
- Heart failure
- Liver problems
- Hemorrhage (abnormal bleeding)
- Skin blistering
- Low levels of thyroid hormone
Your doctor will check you closely for any side effects to stop more serious complications from occurring. Patients with heart disease or risk factors for heart failure should also be monitored carefully.
GLEEVEC is sometimes associated with stomach or intestinal irritation. GLEEVEC should be taken with food and a large glass of water to minimize this problem. There have been rare reports, including deaths, of stomach or intestinal perforation (a small hole or tear).
If you are experiencing any of the above-mentioned side effects, please be sure to speak with your doctor immediately.
Common side effects of GLEEVEC
Almost all patients treated with GLEEVEC experience side effects at some time. Most side effects are mild to moderate in severity. Some common side effects that you may experience include:
If you are experiencing any of the above-mentioned side effects, please be sure to speak with your doctor immediately.
The severity of some side effects may be reduced with the help of other medicines and advice from your doctor, while others may require stopping GLEEVEC therapy for a while or changing the dose. However, in some cases, GLEEVEC therapy may need to be discontinued.
Tell your doctor if you have a history of heart disease or risk factors for heart disease or if you experience side effects, including fever, shortness of breath, blood in your stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and/or eyes), sudden weight gain, or symptoms of heart failure during therapy with GLEEVEC. After the approval of GLEEVEC, the following adverse events have been reported in patients treated with GLEEVEC: compression of the heart due to increased fluid, swelling of the brain, GI perforation (holes in the stomach or intestine), and sudden lung failure. These events, including some fatalities, may or may not have been drug related.
Take GLEEVEC exactly as prescribed. Do not change your dose or stop taking GLEEVEC unless you are told to do so by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take your dose as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for your next dose. In this case, your missed dose should not be taken. A double dose should not be taken to make up for any missed dose. You should take GLEEVEC with a meal and a large glass of water.
Do not take any other medications without talking to your doctor or pharmacist first, including over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol® (acetaminophen); herbal products (St. John's wort, Hypericum perforatum); or prescription medications including Coumadin® (warfarin sodium); rifampin; erythromycin; metoprolol; ketoconazole; and Dilantin® (phenytoin). Taking these with GLEEVEC may affect how they work, or affect how GLEEVEC works.
You should also tell your doctor if you are taking or plan to take iron supplements. Patients should also avoid grapefruit juice and other foods that may affect how GLEEVEC works.
Tylenol (acetaminophen) is a registered trademark of McNeil Consumer & Specialty Pharmaceuticals, a division of McNeil PPC, Inc. Coumadin (warfarin sodium) is a registered trademark of Bristol-Myers Squibb Company. Dilantin (phenytoin) is a registered trademark of Parke-Davis, a division of Pfizer Inc.
Click here for full Prescribing Information.
Use of website is governed by the Terms of Use and Privacy Statement. Copyright ©2013 Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. All Rights Reserved. This site is intended for U.S. Residents only. Non-U.S. Residents click here.
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Acute leukemia
A quickly progressing cancer of the blood that makes the body produce too many cancerous white blood cells.
White blood cell
Type of blood cell that fights infection.
Bone marrow
The soft, spongy inner part of bones where blood cells are made.
Stem cell transplant
Another name for a bone marrow transplant.
Stem cell
An early cell that matures into various types of blood cells.
Spleen
An organ that is part of the vascular system; serves to store and filter blood.
Side effect
A side effect, also referred to as an adverse event, is a result of drug therapy which differs from the desired effect.
Tyrosine kinase
A protein that plays a role in certain forms of cancer, including Philadelphia chromosome-positive CML. Medicines called tyrosine kinase inhibitors target this enzyme as a treatment for Ph+ CML.
Translocation
A process in which two or more chromosomes break, and the broken parts of the chromosomes switch places. This forms new hybrid chromosomes, often with abnormal functions.
Platelets
Type of blood cell that helps blood to clot.
White blood cell
Type of blood cell that fights infection.
RT-PCR (reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction)
A very sensitive test to count the number of cells containing the BCR-ABL gene (which is located on the Philadelphia chromosome). It can be done on either blood or bone marrow cells and can detect the presence of a single abnormal cell in one million cells.
RT-PCR (reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction)
A very sensitive test to count the number of cells containing the BCR-ABL gene (which is located on the Philadelphia chromosome). It can be done on either blood or bone marrow cells and can detect the presence of a single abnormal cell in one million cells.
Resistance
A primary resistance means not getting a complete hematologic response within 3 months on treatment, not getting a cytogenetic response within 6 months on treatment, or not getting a major cytogenetic response at 12 months on treatment.
A secondary resistance means that a prior hematologic or cytogenetic response that was obtained while on treatment is lost.
Remission
A disappearance of evidence of a disease, usually as a result of treatment.
Relapse
Return of cancer after it has been controlled by the initial treatment. Causes for a relapse can include not taking the therapy correctly as prescribed or changes in the cancer cells themselves.
Red blood cell
Type of blood cell that carries oxygen to other cells in the body.
Protein
An essential component of all living cells that is made up of amino acids.
Promyelocyte
A cell in bone marrow that is in an intermediate stage of development between a myeloblast and a myelocyte.
Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome
An abnormal chromosome that is responsible for the constant production of abnormal white blood cells (myeloid cells) that are present in CML.
Myeloblast
A large cell of the bone marrow that is an immature myelocyte.
Myelocyte
A large cell of the bone marrow that is an immature leukocyte.
Molecular testing
The use of PCR (polymerase chain reaction) to find the number of cells expressing BCR-ABL in either blood or bone marrow.
Molecular response
A complete molecular response means that, using currently available tests, there are no detectable BCR-ABL cells found in the bone marrow sample or blood sample. However, this does not mean that your Ph+ CML is cured.
A major molecular response means that the amount of BCR-ABL found in the bone marrow sample or blood sample is very low.
Karyotyping
A cytogenetic test to identify chromosome abnormalities as the cause of a disease. This test looks at a small number of cells (about 20).
Interferon Treatment
Interferon medication is a man-made version of a protein that is involved in the immune system. The body produces interferons to help fight against disease and infection. These proteins stimulate immune cells to destroy body cells that have been infected with viruses or cancer.
Interferon alpha
The body's natural substance often used to fight cancer cells.
Hydroxyurea
A chemotherapy agent often used to treat Ph+ CML.
Hematologic testing
A simple blood test to measure levels of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets.
Hematologic response
A complete hematologic response means white blood cell, platelet, and red blood cell counts have returned to a normal range. However, this does not mean that your Ph+ CML is cured.
Gene
The basic unit of heredity passed from parent to child. Genes are made of DNA and carry instructions for making proteins.
FISH (fluorescence in situ hybridization)
A sensitive test done on either blood or bone marrow cells to look for abnormal cells that contain the BCR-ABL gene (which is located on the Philadelphia chromosome). This test can find one abnormal cell out of 200 to 500 normal cells.
DNA
The chemical inside the nucleus of a cell that carries the genetic instructions for making proteins. Genes are made of DNA.
Cytogenetic testing
Tests done on bone marrow cells or white blood cells to see if they contain the Philadelphia chromosome There are two types of cytogenetic testing: karyotyping and FISH (fluorescence in situ hybridization).
Cytogenetic response
A complete cytogenetic response means that, using currently available tests, no cells with the Philadelphia chromosome are found in the patient's bone marrow sample or blood sample. However, this does not mean that your Ph+ CML is cured.
A major cytogenetic response means that no more than 35% of the cells in the patient's bone marrow sample or blood sample have the Philadelphia chromosome.
Chemotherapy
The use of drugs to destroy rapidly dividing cancer cells throughout the body. It may also destroy healthy cells that divide rapidly.
Chromosome
Part of the nucleus of the cell that contains the genes.
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)
A slowly progressing blood and bone marrow disease that usually occurs during or after middle age, and rarely occurs in children. Most types of CML have a genetic defect called the Philadelphia chromosome that causes the constant production of abnormal white blood cells.
Complete blood count
A test of the blood that includes red blood cell count, white blood cell count, erythrocyte indices, hematocrit, differential blood count, and sometimes platelet count.
BCR-ABL
An abnormal gene that is formed when two specific chromosomes combine. This gene directs the production of a protein, called BCR-ABL—the underlying cause of Ph+ CML.
Bone marrow
The soft, spongy inner part of bones where blood cells are made.
Bone marrow transplant (BMT)
A procedure to replace bone marrow destroyed by high doses of anticancer drugs with healthy bone marrow.
Acute leukemia
A quickly progressing cancer of the blood that makes the body produce too many cancerous white blood cells.
Allogeneic transplant
A procedure in which a donor's stem cells are removed, stored, and placed into a patient's bone marrow after receiving high-dose drug therapy.
Anticonvulsant
A drug or treatment that prevents seizures or makes them less severe.
Antihistamine
A medicine used to reduce an allergic rash.
Autologous transplant
A procedure in which a patient's own stem cells are removed, stored, and eventually replaced after the patient receives high-dose drug therapy. This type of transplant is rarely used to treat CML.
What Is the My CML Circle Co-Pay Card?
Some CML patients have already been provided with a Co-Pay Card from their doctor that can be activated on this site. But if you haven't received one yet, don't worry. During registration for My CML Circle you will have a chance to verify your eligibility and have one mailed to you.