CML

Medical abbreviation · Hematology and Oncology

CML
Stands forChronic myeloid leukemia
CategoriesMedical

CML stands for Chronic myeloid leukemia, a hematology and oncology abbreviation.

Myeloproliferative neoplasm driven by the BCR-ABL1 fusion gene, causing a very high white blood cell count, often with an enlarged spleen, fatigue and night sweats. Without treatment it progresses from a chronic phase to an accelerated and blast phase resembling acute leukemia.

Example: WBC 180,000 with basophilia and splenomegaly; BCR-ABL positive: chronic-phase CML, starting imatinib.

Usage notes

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors, beginning with imatinib in 2001, turned CML into a manageable chronic condition, and most patients diagnosed in the chronic phase now have near-normal life expectancy. Response is monitored with quantitative PCR of BCR-ABL every few months. About half of patients who achieve deep, durable responses can stop therapy without relapse. Also called chronic myelogenous leukemia.

More hematology and oncology abbreviations

  • CAR-T – Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy
  • CAT – Cancer-associated thrombosis
  • CEA – Carcinoembryonic antigen
  • chemo – Chemotherapy
  • CHOP – Cyclophosphamide, hydroxydaunorubicin (doxorubicin), Oncovin…
  • CLL – Chronic lymphocytic leukemia
  • CR – Complete response
  • CRAB – Hypercalcemia, renal insufficiency, anemia, bone lesions
  • CRS – Cytokine release syndrome
  • Cryo – Cryoprecipitate
  • CTCAE – Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events
  • ctDNA – Circulating tumor DNA

See all 144 hematology and oncology abbreviations →

Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.

This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.