Additional Patient Resources
CML Organizations
Are there CML groups that can provide additional support?
There are many organizations that may be able to help. See the list of national organizations below. Your doctor’s office can let you know about groups in your area.
This list of resources is provided as a convenience. Bristol Myers Squibb does not endorse and is not responsible for information provided by third-party organizations.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society® (LLS)
lls.org | 800-955-4572
The LLS offers weekly online chats that provide a friendly forum for discussing the stresses and triumphs of those living with CML. These chats are moderated by an oncology social worker.
nationalcmlsociety.org | 877-431-2573
The National CML Society organizes group meetings for CML patients, family members, and caregivers around the United States.
cancercare.org | 800-813-HOPE
CancerCare provides free, professional support and information to help people manage the emotional, practical, and financial challenges of cancer.
Cancer Support Community (CSC)
cancersupportcommunity.org | 888-793-9355
CSC offers a menu of personalized services and education for all people affected by cancer. These services are available through a network of professionally led community-based centers, hospitals, community oncology practices, and online.
Glossary
BCR-ABL: an abnormal protein that triggers overproduction of damaged white blood cells, causing leukemia.
Blast cells: immature white blood cells found in abnormally large numbers in CML patients.
Bone marrow: the soft tissue inside bones that produces blood cells.
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML): a slow-developing cancer of the blood in which the body produces uncontrolled numbers of abnormal cells.
Chronic-phase CML: the first phase of CML; it can last for months or years; most people are diagnosed with CML during this phase.
Complete cytogenetic response (CCyR): occurs in the bone marrow, not just the blood. A Complete Cytogenetic Response means that there were no signs of bad cells.
Confirmed complete cytogenetic response (cCCyR): there were no signs of bad cells in 2 bone marrow tests.
Hematologic test: test that can detect the number of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets in the blood
Intolerant: the inability to tolerate a medication or its side effects.
Leukemia: an acute (progresses quickly) or chronic (takes a longer time to progress) disease of the blood and bone marrow; characterized by an abnormal increase in blood cells
Major cytogenetic response (MCyR): a decrease in the amount of bad cells in the bone marrow.
Major molecular response (MMR): the amount of BCR-ABL protein is very low.
Myelosuppression: a condition in which bone marrow activity is decreased, resulting in fewer red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets being produced.
Philadelphia chromosome (Ph chromosome): the chromosome abnormality that causes CML; when present, it can lead to the overproduction of white blood cells.
Platelets: blood cells that help control bleeding; when platelet levels are lower than normal, it is called thrombocytopenia.
Pleural effusion: buildup of fluid in the area between the layers of tissue that line the lungs and the chest cavity.
Red blood cells: blood cells that carry oxygen to all parts of the body; when red blood cell levels are lower than normal, it is called anemia.
Resistant: when cells that would normally be killed or slowed down by a certain drug actually survive and grow instead.
Side effects: the undesired effects of a drug.
Symptom: a signal of illness or disease in the body that you can feel or notice, but others may not easily see.
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs): a class of medications that block the production of abnormal proteins.
Tumor Lysis Syndrome (TLS): a metabolic disorder caused by a fast breakdown of cancer cells; can cause kidney failure and an abnormal heartbeat.
White blood cells: blood cells that help fight infections; when the level of a certain type of white blood cell is lower than normal, it is called neutropenia.
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