Complications and Recovery from Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia
Complications and recovery from chronic myeloid leukaemia depend on the stage of the disease. The patient’s response to treatment, and how early the condition was diagnosed. Although chronic myeloid leukaemia is now considered manageable, it can still lead to serious health challenges if not treated appropriately.
1. Drug Side Effects | Complications and Recovery from Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are generally well tolerated, but they can cause fatigue, fluid retention, nausea, and, in some cases, cardiovascular effects. Long-term use may lead to decreased bone density or liver enzyme elevations, requiring close monitoring.
2. Resistance to Therapy
Some patients develop resistance to TKIs, especially if they have certain mutations like T315I. Resistance can lead to disease progression and necessitate switching to a different TKI or considering a stem cell transplant.
3. Progression to Advanced Phases
If untreated or if therapy fails, CML can progress to the accelerated phase or blast crisis. These advanced stages are more difficult to treat and resemble acute leukaemia, often requiring aggressive chemotherapy or transplant.
4. Secondary Cancers
Though rare, some patients treated for CML may develop secondary malignancies. This may be linked to long-term suppression of normal blood cell development or previous exposure to radiation or chemotherapy.
5. Psychological Impact
Living with a chronic cancer diagnosis, even one with a good prognosis, can be mentally and emotionally taxing. Anxiety about relapse, long-term medication use, and regular testing can affect quality of life.
Recovery Outlook | Complications and Recovery from Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia
With appropriate treatment, many patients achieve full remission. While CML requires lifelong monitoring, the outlook is excellent for most people diagnosed in the chronic phase. Patients who respond well to TKIs can enjoy long-term survival and, in some cases, discontinue therapy under close observation.
Life After Diagnosis
Most patients return to work, travel, and family life with few limitations. Regular appointments and lifestyle adjustments, such as maintaining a healthy diet and avoiding unnecessary medications, help support long-term health.
In conclusion, complications are manageable with modern medicine. Long-term remission is achievable, and many patients live normal, healthy lives under continuous care and monitoring.
