What Causes Chronic Myeloid Leukemia?

This content has been reviewed and approved by

Hagop M. Kantarjian, MD
Chairman & Professor, Leukemia Department
MD Anderson Cancer Center
University of Texas
 

Patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) have a specific chromosome abnormality—called the Philadelphia chromosome (Ph) abnormality because it was discovered by researchers in Philadelphia. Part of chromosome No. 9 breaks off and attaches itself to chromosome No. 22. This changes the position and functions of certain genes, which results in uncontrolled cell growth of CML cells. Other chromosome abnormalities may also be present. 

This content was last reviewed August 15, 2010 by Dr. Reshma L. Mahtani.
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