Chronic myeloid leukemia: a protracted battle against the "white warrior"

Among the many leukemia families, chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) has attracted widespread attention with its unique "white warrior" image. These "white warriors" quietly stationed in our bodies and waged a long-lasting battle with our immune system. So, what are the little-known stories behind this battle? Let's take a deeper look.

1. Overview of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

Chronic myeloid leukemia is a chronic leukemia characterized by abnormal proliferation of hematopoietic cells in the bone marrow. Under normal circumstances, hematopoietic cells in the bone marrow differentiate into different types of mature cells to provide the body with necessary blood cells. However, in the bone marrow of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia, hematopoietic cells undergo genetic mutations, forming so-called "white knights". These "white knights" not only set up camp in the bone marrow, but also continue to multiply, gradually gaining the upper hand, resulting in the obstruction of normal blood cell production.

2. Causes of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

There are many different opinions about the origin of "white warriors". It is currently believed that the emergence of these "white warriors" is related to certain gene mutations, the most famous of which is the BCR-ABL fusion gene. The BCR-ABL fusion gene is one of the main signs of chronic myeloid leukemia. It is like the identity card of the "white warriors", allowing them to run rampant in the bone marrow. So, how is the BCR-ABL fusion gene formed? It is generally believed that it is formed when normal genes mutate under the stimulation of certain unknown factors.

3. Symptoms and diagnosis of chronic myeloid leukemia

The invasion of the "White Knight" causes a series of abnormal symptoms in the body. Common symptoms include fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, fever, etc. In addition, the "White Knight" will also invade the normal bone marrow space, leading to anemia, bleeding and increased risk of infection. A series of examinations are required to diagnose chronic myeloid leukemia. A routine blood test is an important means of preliminary screening. By observing whether the white blood cell count is abnormally increased, it can be preliminarily determined whether chronic myeloid leukemia exists. If chronic myeloid leukemia is suspected, the doctor will recommend a bone marrow puncture to obtain more cytological information. In addition, genetic testing is also a key means to diagnose chronic myeloid leukemia. By detecting the presence or absence of the BCR-ABL fusion gene, a clear diagnosis can be made.

4. Treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia

In the face of the invasion of "white warriors", we need to take effective measures to eliminate them. At present, the main method for treating chronic myeloid leukemia is drug therapy, especially targeted therapy. Targeted therapy is a treatment method for specific gene mutations. By inhibiting the expression of the BCR-ABL fusion gene, the reproduction of "white warriors" can be effectively controlled. Imatinib (Gleevec) is a representative targeted therapy drug that can accurately identify and attack the BCR-ABL fusion gene, making the "white warriors" lose their combat effectiveness. In addition to drug therapy, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is also a feasible treatment method for some patients with severe conditions. By transplanting normal hematopoietic stem cells, the patient's immune system is rebuilt, thereby eliminating the "white warriors."

5. Prevention and health care of chronic myeloid leukemia

The key to preventing CML is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. A balanced diet, moderate exercise, and good work and rest habits can help enhance the body's immunity and reduce the risk of disease. In addition, regular physical examinations and paying attention to physical changes are also important ways to detect CML early. Once abnormal symptoms occur, you should seek medical attention for examination and treatment in a timely manner.

Conclusion

Although chronic myeloid leukemia is a difficult disease to cure, with the continuous progress of medicine, we have more and more treatment methods to deal with this "white knight". By understanding the causes, development process, diagnosis and treatment methods of chronic myeloid leukemia, we can better understand this disease and achieve the final victory in the protracted battle with the "white knight"!