Chronic Leukemia

Chronic leukemia is a group of blood and bone marrow cancers that usually progress more slowly than acute leukemias. It involves the abnormal production and accumulation of more mature blood cells, often white blood cells, that do not function normally. Because chronic leukemia may develop gradually, some people have few or no symptoms when it is first discovered. Over time, abnormal cells can interfere with normal blood cell production and immune function. Symptoms may include fatigue, frequent infections, swollen lymph nodes, unexplained weight loss, night sweats, fever, or an enlarged spleen. The two main types are chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), which affects lymphocytes, and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), which affects myeloid cells. Treatment varies and may include monitoring, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, or other approaches depending on disease activity.

Chronic leukemia is a slower-developing blood cancer where abnormal blood cells build up gradually. Some people may have no symptoms for years and may only need careful monitoring at first.

• Slow-growing group of leukemias • Usually involves more mature abnormal blood cells • May progress over months or years • Some people have no early symptoms • Can affect normal blood production and immune function over time • Symptoms may include fatigue, infections, swollen lymph nodes, night sweats, and weight loss • Main types include chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) • Treatment depends on the type and progression of disease