Disease Information

AML is an aggressive cancer where immature myeloid cells (blasts) multiply rapidly and accumulate in the bone marrow, crowding out normal cells. It requires immediate treatment and can develop on its own or evolve from MDS or MPN.

MDS is characterized by abnormal-looking (dysplastic) blood cells and ineffective blood production. While less aggressive than AML, approximately 30% of MDS cases eventually transform into AML, making careful monitoring essential.

CML is caused by the Philadelphia chromosome (BCR-ABL fusion gene) and progresses through chronic, accelerated, and blast phases. Unlike AML, it often responds well to targeted oral therapies (tyrosine kinase inhibitors) that can control the disease long-term.

MPNs involve the overproduction of mature blood cells—too many red cells (polycythemia vera), platelets (essential thrombocythemia), or bone marrow scarring (myelofibrosis). While chronic, some MPNs can evolve into AML over time.