What happens if you miss a CML milestone | CION Cancer Clinics

Not before your haematologist reviews it. The test is often repeated first, and doses and other medicines are checked. If the result is a clear failure, a switch is usually discussed. Keep taking your current tablet as prescribed until your team decides on a change.

No. It is usually asked for when the level stays too high despite good doses, when a response is lost, or before choosing a second or third tablet. For a warning result with missed doses, fixing the doses often comes first.

Not necessarily. Each TKI has its own pattern. Some people feel better on a new tablet. Your team chooses one that suits your heart, lungs, sugar and blood pressure, and will tell you what to watch for in the early weeks.

Sometimes. A poor sample, a delay in reaching the lab or a lab that does not report on the International Scale can all mislead. That is why a repeat at a reliable lab is often the first step before any decision.

Not always. A marrow test is more likely if blood counts are changing, if there is a failure response, or if your team wants to confirm the phase. Many reviews are done with blood tests alone.

Usually not straight away. Most people move to another TKI first. Transplant is discussed when CML resists several tablets, carries a hard-to-treat mutation, or moves to a later phase. It happens at specialist centres.

Tell your team early. Generic versions, patient assistance programmes and government schemes may reduce the cost. Rules change, so check your entitlement. There may also be more than one suitable tablet to choose between.

Yes. Send every BCR-ABL report in date order, your current tablet and any mutation or marrow reports. Our haematology team will review them and explain the options. Call the helpline to arrange it.