Your chronic myeloid leukemia phase plays a large part in
determining the type of treatment you'll receive. CML has three
phases: - the chronic phase - the accelerated phase - the blast
crisis phase Each phase describes CML's progression, determined
by the number of blast cells - white cells that don't fully form
as they should, blocking production of functioning blood cells -
in the blood and bone marrow. Chronic Phase CML Most patients
are diagnosed during CML's chronic phase when symptoms are mild
or not noticeable. During this phase, your white cells can still
fight infection. In most cases, long-term drug therapy can
control chronic phase CML, and you can usually return to normal
activities after treatment begins. A small number of people
diagnosed and treated during the chronic phase progress to the
accelerated phase. These patients appear to stop responding to
treatment as the disease advances. Accelerated Phase CML If
you're diagnosed during accelerated phase CML, your blood may
have: - a lower-than-n