World Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Day Date in the current year: September 22, 2024

Chronic myeloid (or myelogenous or myelocytic) leukemia (CML) is a cancer of the white blood cells characterized by the increased and unregulated growth of myeloid cells in the bone marrow and the accumulation of these cells in the blood.

CML is typically caused by the so-called Philadelphia chromosome. This is a genetic abnormality in chromosome 22 caused by reciprocal translocation of genetic material between chromosome 9 and chromosome 22. Such mutation results in the production of a hybrid protein that causes myeloid cells to divide uncontrollably.

CML has three phases: chronic phase, accelerated phase, and blast crisis (terminal phase). Most patients are diagnosed during the chronic phase, which is usually asymptomatic, based on a complete blood count. Treatments include bone marrow transplantation, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, myelosuppressive therapy, interferon alfa-2b treatment, and splenectomy.

World Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Day was observed for the first time on September 22, 2008 as CML Awareness Day. It became an international observance in 2002. The date of September 22 was chosen because the 22th day of the 9th month symbolizes chromosomes 22 and 9 which are responsible for CML.