Chronic myeloid leukaemia and other chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms

Abstract

The chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms of childhood comprise chronic myeloid leukaemia, essential thrombocythaemia, polycythaemia vera and chronic idiopathic myelofibrosis. Chronic myeloid leukaemia is rare, and the other conditions extremely rare, in children. The characteristics of chronic myeloid leukaemia are broadly similar to those in adults. The introduction of tyrosine kinase inhibitors has revolutionized treatment and haemopoietic stem cell transplantation is now rarely required. This chapter discusses the investigation and management of chronic myeloid leukaemia, and briefly mentions the other even rarer chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms of childhood.