INTRODUCTION
Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) symptoms are nonspecific and can become increasingly difficult to treat as the disease progresses. CML typically remains uncomplicated when treated early and with selective tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Because some patients develop resistance to treatment, clinicians need to adequately monitor response and be aware of strategies that may help patients overcome the potential for treatment resistance.

This activity examines emerging treatment therapies and addresses the variety of issues and challenges facing academic and community-based medical hematologists, oncologists, and other health care providers who treat or manage patients with hematologic disorders. The aim is to educate clinicians on (1) clinical aspects of CML, including its prevalence; (2) pathogenesis; (3) diagnostic criteria; (4) current recommendations for the value and frequency of monitoring; (5) strategies to overcome treatment resistance; and (6) new agents in clinical development.

These activities are approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™.

Please note that the courses are accredited only for physicians (MD, DO, or equivalent). All other participants receive a certificate of completion.

AVAILABLE COURSES

55-Year-Old Man in Chronic-Phase Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia With Suboptimal Response to Imatinib Mesylate
DESCRIPTION A 55-year-old Caucasian man was diagnosed in chronic-phase chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). At that time, his white blood cell count (WBC) was 110,000/mcL; the bone marrow cytogenetic test revealed 95% Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome-positive cells. Treatment was initiated with the standard of care, imatinib mesylate 400 mg QD. After 3 months of treatment, the patient achieved a complete cytogenetic response with no Ph+ cells detected by cytogenetic analysis in the bone marrow. The WBC was 4500/mcL and the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) was 1500/mcL.

A 23-Year-Old Woman With Increased Fatigue and Bruising
DESCRIPTION Alice C—, a 23-year-old white woman, presents with increased fatigue and reports bruising easily for the past 2-3 months. She reports bruising easily for the past 2-3 months but has no history of trauma. Alice once exercised 2-3 times per week but now tires easily after climbing just a few flights of stairs. She has had no significant weight loss or gain, and no history of blood disorders. However, recent blood test results show abnormally high WBCs and platelet counts.