About
3,000 people over 55
are diagnosed with Chronic Myeloma Leukemia every year, making it a lesser-known type of cancer. Today, there are around
10 drugs
that can help manage the disease effectively, offering patients a chance at a normal life expectancy. These
oral chemotherapies
have side effects, but advancements in treatment options provide hope for better outcomes.
Primary Treatment Options
Some of the approved drugs for treating Chronic Myeloma Leukemia include
Imatinib (Gleevec®), Dasatinib (Sprycel®), Nilotinib (Tasigna®), and Bosutinib (Bosulif®)
. These medications play a crucial role in preventing the progression of the disease to more severe phases.
Understanding the Disease
Chronic Leukemia has three phases: Chronic, Accelerated or Acute, and Blast Phase. It's essential to manage the condition in the
Chronic phase
to prevent further complications. This leukemia is caused by a chromosome mutation that affects white blood cell production, leading to the accumulation of cancerous cells in the blood and bone marrow.
Treatment Progress Update
The article shares a personal update on the author's journey with Chronic Myeloma Leukemia. With low blast cells, successful treatment is anticipated, offering hope for a normal life expectancy. The patient has transitioned from the TKI drug
Sprycel
to a new medication called
Scemblix
, which shows promising results with fewer side effects.
Patient Experience
After five days on Scemblix, the patient is adjusting to the medication's side effects, including chronic fatigue. The trial at Roswell Cancer Center requires regular monitoring to ensure the treatment's effectiveness. Despite challenges, the patient remains optimistic about managing the disease and living a healthy life.
Closing Thoughts
The patient acknowledges the importance of regular physicals and early detection in managing Chronic Myeloma Leukemia effectively. While sharing personal experiences, the article emphasizes the importance of medical guidance and adherence to prescribed treatments. The author's journey serves as inspiration for others facing similar health challenges.