What is CMML?
Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukaemia (CMML) – What is it?
CMML is referred to by the WHO (World Health Organization) as a ‘myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasm (MDS/MPN)’.
This means the condition has features of both myelodysplastic and myeloproliferative disorders. It is also referred to as MDS/MPN Overlap Syndrome.
Another two conditions belonging to this sub-group of blood diseases are ‘Atypical chronic myeloid leukemia (aCML)’ and ‘Juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML)’.
A myeloproliferative disorder is a condition where there are too many blood cells made. A myelodysplastic disorder is where the blood cells made are abnormal and not fully mature.
In CMML it is a specific type of white blood cells called monocytes which are abnormal.
Monocytes are part of the immune system and help the body to fight infection. Too many are produced, and they are not developed enough to work properly. It is also more difficult for the bone marrow to produce other blood cells such as red blood cells, platelets and other white blood cells. This is because the monocytes take up a lot of space in the bone marrow.
Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukaemia (CMML): A Guide for Patients
Further information can be found on this downloadable booklet from our colleagues at Leukaemia Care
MDS UK Patient Support Group provides information and advice on this condition.
We recommend you to consult an MDS expert, at any time or stage, but especially if you are seeking an additional opinion. These physicians have extensive experience treating MDS patients and will work with your local haematologist to offer you the best possible care and advice.
CMML chat
- Visit our online chat Forum, and look up our dedicated CMML section
Care and treatment of CMML – Interview with expert Dr Dan Wiseman
Further information
Further information can be found from our colleagues at Leukaemia Care, Cancer Research UK, as well as Cancer.Gov
- Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukaemia (CMML) by Leukaemia Care
- Myelodysplastic/ Myeloproliferative Neoplasms Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version
- Chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia (CMML) by Cancer Research UK
CMML Clinical Trials
- Visit our page dedicated to Clinical Trials, and look out for MDS trials open to CMML as well
CMML: Latest Research on a Unique Syndrome
In recent years, clinicians and researchers have ramped up efforts to clarify how CMML develops, its natural disease progression, and its treatment.
