Sheba Ranked Among the Top 10 Hospitals in the World by Newsweek
Breakthrough Hemophilia Treatment by Prof. Gili Kenet Empowers Boy’s Dream
Navigating Retinoblastoma: Expert Analysis by Prof. Didi Fabian
Navigating IVF Treatment at Sheba: Hailey’s Journey to Motherhood
World Cancer Day: Sheba’s Dedication to Cancer Care
Revolutionizing Care: AIDOC’s Impact in Sheba’s Critical Treatments
Cervical Cancer Awareness Month: Sheba’s Guide to Prevention and Care
5 Key Lifestyle Tips for CML Patients
What is CML
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a type of cancer that begins in the bone marrow and spills into the blood, impacting the production of white blood cells known as myeloid cells. These cells grow and divide uncontrollably, crowding out normal cells, which disrupts many of the body’s regular functions. The progression of CML is often slow, spanning over months or years, making prompt diagnosis and treatment crucial.
Globally, CML accounts for 15-20% of all adult leukemias. Although CML can affect individuals of all ages, its prevalence is higher among adults, particularly those in their mid-60s. Genetic mutations, especially the Philadelphia chromosome, are closely associated with the condition, but the exact cause remains elusive. While the disease can occur due to factors beyond one’s control, understanding its nuances is the first step toward proactive management.
Common Side Effects of CML Treatment
CML treatment primarily focuses on targeting the BCR-ABL protein, the hallmark of this disease. While these treatments have revolutionized the prognosis for CML patients, they come with a range of side effects. The most commonly reported side effect is fatigue, which can significantly impact daily activities and overall quality of life. Nausea is another prevalent side effect, sometimes accompanied by vomiting. Many patients also experience muscle and joint pain, making even simple movements challenging. Fluid retention, leading to swelling in the legs or around the eyes, is also frequently observed. Rashes and other skin reactions may manifest as itchiness or dry skin. Additionally, some treatments can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea or headaches. While these side effects are typically manageable and vary in intensity, it’s crucial for patients to communicate with their physician and healthcare team, whether at Sheba or any other medical center, so that they may adjust treatments or implement supportive measures as needed.
Open Communication with Healthcare Providers
Maintaining open and candid communication with healthcare professionals is paramount when navigating the challenges of CML. As CML treatment can often present a range of side effects, patients must feel comfortable sharing their experiences, concerns and questions with their healthcare providers. By doing so, they enable their care team to make informed decisions, optimize treatment regimens, and ensure the best possible outcomes. Beyond treatment logistics, maintaining transparent dialogue strengthens the trust between the patient and their care team, fostering a collaborative approach to managing and potentially overcoming CML.
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) – Sheba Medical Center
Acute myeloid leukemia occurs when a mutation changes bone marrow cells and causes them to continue growing and dividing unchecked. They typically develop at a certain rate and die off at certain intervals. The bone marrow creates immature cells known as myeloblasts, which mature into white blood cells. Leukemia is the result of this blood cell production becoming excessive and generating abnormal cells. These aberrant cells can accumulate and drive out healthy cells since they cannot function normally.
ALL is a fast-growing, aggressive kind of blood and bone marrow cancer that can strike anyone at any age, though it tends to affect kids more frequently. Every year, roughly 1,000 new cases of adult ALL are identified in the US.
Unlike many other cancers, acute lymphoblastic leukemia does not generally form tumors. Generally, it affects the body’s entire bone marrow and by the time it is discovered, it has spread to other organs. Therefore, ALL cannot be staged in the same manner as other cancers. Instead, ALL is classified primarily by the types of lymphocytes that are affected.
The type of ALL will dictate the approach doctors take to treat the malignancy.
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia can be classified into two main subtypes based on what subset of lymphocytes (white blood cells) it attacks.
B-cell ALL, accounting for about 85% of all cases, affects B lymphocytes that develop in the bone marrow. B lymphocytes have a major role in antibody creation and fighting off illnesses.
T-cell ALL attacks T lymphocytes. Unlike B lymphocytes, which mature in the bone marrow, T lymphocytes mature in the thymus (part of the lymphatic system). This is the less common type of ALL, accounting for about 15% of cases.