Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), also known as Chronic granulocytic leukemia and Chronic myelogenous leukemia is an uncommon blood cancer that begins in certain blood-forming cells of bone marrow. Although it can affect anyone, it is primarily seen in people above age fifty-five, and men are more likely to develop this cancer.
Almost all patients with chronic myeloid leukemia have the chromosomal abnormality called Philadelphia chromosome. Chromosomes are parts of the DNA found in every body cell, and DNA contains unique genetic instructions. Philadelphia chromosome forms when chromosome 9 and chromosome 22 present swap places in the cell. This creates a new gene called BCR-ABL. This gene instructs the defective cell to produce tyrosine kinase protein that promotes the multiplication of many abnormal white blood cells.
When many abnormal white blood cells are produced in the bone marrow, it can decrease the space for healthy blood cells and start affecting other body parts. Physicians categorize the CML in three phases. The chronic phase is the phase where most people are diagnosed with CML, where the cancer is slow-growing and responds better to the treatment. If left untreated, the chronic phase can progress to the accelerated and blast phase, where more cancer cells are found.
Very often, people with this cancer do not have any symptoms or signs. If symptoms present, it may include bone pain, loss of appetite, unintentional weight loss, excessive sweating at night, feeling full after eating a small amount of food, feeling tired, and pain below the rib on the left side. The physician may perform blood tests, ask for symptoms and perform a bone marrow biopsy to diagnose chronic myeloid leukemia. Other tests such as the FISH test (fluorescence in-situ hybridization) and PCR (polymerase chain reaction) can help identify the presence of Philadelphia chromosomes or the BCR-ABL gene.
Targeted therapies are the major treatment for many people with CML. Targeted therapies are drugs or substances that can precisely identify and attack cancer cells. They can target certain genes or proteins that are involved in the growth and survival of cancer cells and stop the growth of cancer cells. Some people may also need chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, or interferon therapy. Bone marrow transplantation offers a cure though it is preferred for those who do not respond to other forms of treatment and also carries a risk of complications.
Nilotinib is a targeted therapy for Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph-positive CML). In CML, the mutation in the cell DNA triggers the signal that instructs the cells to produce many numbers of abnormal cells. Nilotinib blocks these signals and stops the growth of cancer. Tasigna 150mg Capsule is one of the products available in the market that contains the molecule nilotinib. If you have Ph-positive CML, your physician may prescribe Tasigna 150mg Capsule for you.
This medication is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women and women who might get pregnant should use highly effective birth control during the treatment and for at least two weeks after the treatment.
