No signs or symptoms. For many people, a diagnosis of Philadelphia chromosome–positive chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph+ CML) in chronic phase can occur during a routine physical examination or after blood tests. 

While it can take some time to understand the diagnosis, it’s important to take an active role in your treatment from the start. Work with your doctor to determine which medication may help treat your disease and ask about potential side effects.

What is Ph+ CML in chronic phase?

Ph+ CML is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow (tissue in the bone that creates blood cells). Ph+ CML is caused by an abnormal gene in the body. Chronic phase describes the first phase of Ph+ CML, which is when most adults are diagnosed.

How many people have Ph+ CML? 

As of 2021, it was estimated that nearly 70,000 people in the United States were living with Ph+ CML.

Signs and symptoms 

Some people with Ph+ CML may have symptoms, such as feeling unusually tired, shortness of breath, fever, and bone pain.

The biology of Ph+ CML

Even if you've been living with Ph+ CML in chronic phase for a while, it's still helpful to understand the biology behind the disease and what's happening in your body. Ph+ CML occurs in the body when 2 chromosomes fuse abnormally. This creates a new, atypical chromosome: the Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome.

The role of the Ph chromosome 

• The Ph chromosome creates the abnormal BCR::ABL1 fusion gene

• The BCR::ABL1 gene generates an abnormal protein, BCR::ABL

• The BCR::ABL protein causes the bone marrow to create abnormal white blood cells, which your doctor may call leukemic cells

• The leukemic cells start to grow, divide, and build up, crowding out red blood cells and platelets in the bone marrow

Here’s what happens in the bloodstream:

• As the bone marrow becomes overcrowded with leukemic cells, these cells move into the bloodstream

• Over time, the leukemic cells crowd out healthy red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets

• This can lead to serious health problems, including, but not limited to, a greater risk of infections, as well as anemia, bruising easily, and bleeding that takes longer to stop 

Take an active role in learning about Ph+ CML   The more you know about your disease, the better you may be able to communicate with your doctor. In addition to reviewing the information on this website, go to the Helpful Resources page to find contact information for advocacy groups that support patients with Ph+ CML.

Learn about SCEMBLIX as a treatment option

If you’ve been recently diagnosed with Ph+ CML in chronic phase, ask your doctor if SCEMBLIX may be right for you. SCEMBLIX is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with newly diagnosed Ph+ CML in chronic phase.

It is not known if SCEMBLIX is safe and effective in children.

Next: Treatment Milestones >