[Recent progress in therapy for chronic myelogenous leukemia].

In chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), abnormalities develop in hematopoietic stem cells, affecting three hematopoietic cell series, including leukocytes, erythrocytes, and platelets. The occurrence of the Philadelphia (Ph1) chromosome and BCR/ABL fused genes are involved in its pathophysiology. Methods of treating CML consist of bone marrow transplantation, and administration of interferon (IFN) and other antineoplastic drugs. Bone marrow transplantation is strongly recommended when the patient is young (usually aged 45 years or younger) and a donor with identical human leukocyte antigens (HLA) is available. When bone marrow transplantation is impossible, administration of IFN is the treatment of choice. IFN administration may induce disappearance or a decrease in the Ph1 chromosome. IFN administration has been demonstrated to significantly increase the survival rate over conventional chemotherapy (hydroxyurea or busulfan).