HOW DOES CML PROGRESS? WHAT IS PROGNOSIS?
Without interferon or a transplant the life expectancy has historically been 3 to 5 years after diagnosis. Interferon has been proven to significantly increase life expectancy. Autologous marrow or stem cell transplants, likewise, if successful engraftment takes place, extend life expectancy, but since the immune system has not been replaced (as with a donor transplant) are not currently curative. While a bone marrow transplant could return you to “a normal life span” there is the above mentioned possible mortality from the procedure.
