HOW DOES CML PROGRESS? WHAT IS THE 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 and the combination of interferon and ARAC is believed to be superior to interferon alone. 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.
