World Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Day highlights patient needs

September 22 marks World Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) Day, a date chosen because the 9/22 format references the chromosomal alteration between chromosomes 9 and 22 that drives the disease. CML is a blood and bone marrow cancer characterized by the uncontrolled production of white blood cells, with a global incidence of 1 to 2 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants annually.

To mark the occasion, Novartis, in collaboration with the Spanish Association of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Patients (AELEMIC) and the Spanish Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Group (GELMC), has released a documentary titled ‘eLMoCiones’. The film, which premiered at the XI AELEMIC National Congress, explores the physical, social, and emotional impacts of the disease from the perspectives of both patients and hematologists.

While tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) have transformed CML into a manageable chronic condition with life expectancy approaching that of the general population, the documentary highlights the ongoing challenges regarding quality of life and the individual ways patients react to long-term treatment. The project included research by the Neuroscience Laboratory at the Complutense University of Madrid to evaluate neurophysiological and cognitive responses in patients.