| Abstract: | Chronic myeloid leukaemia, a clonal myeloproliferative disorder with a biphasic nature, is characterised by a specific chromosomal aberration, the Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome. The Ph chromosome is the result of a reciprocal translocation between chromosomes 9 and 22 and involves the ABL and BCR genes resulting in a chimeric mRNA encoding a specific protein, termed P210. At present, there is no convincing evidence that to maintain the leucocyte count within the normal range prolongs the duration of the stable chronic phase or of survival, and the objectives of treatment are simply to alleviate symptoms or to delay their onset. It has, however, become clear that bone marrow transplantation performed during the chronic phase using an HLA-identical sibling donor offers the best chance of a cure. |
