§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what the Department's estimate is of the average time scale for each of the three stages of chronic myeloid leukaemia; and if he will make a statement; [60006]
(2) how many people have died from chronic myeloid leukaemia in the last two years; and if he will make a statement; [60007]
(3) what criteria are used to assess which of the three stages of chronic myeloid leukaemia a patient is in; and if he will make a statement. [60005]
§ Ms BlearsThree phases of chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) are usually definable; the chronic phase, an accelerated phase and the blast phase.
The chronic phase is typically of three to five years duration from diagnosis. The majority of patients are in chronic phase at presentation. Clinically, in the chronic phase there are less than 10 per cent. immature blood cells (called blast cells) and promyelocytes (one of the series of cells that gives rise to granulocytes—a type of white blood cell) in the bone marrow. There is an elevated white cell count and often an elevated platelet count.
254WThe accelerated phase of CML marks the transition to the blast phase typically lasting two to 15 months, but generally leading to a rapidly fatal blast crisis within six months. As the accelerated phase is associated with numerous haematological cytogenic and clinical signs and symptoms, no single set of criteria for its onset is accepted.
The blast phase is usually fatal within three to six months of onset. Clinically, the presence of 30 per cent. or more blast cells in the marrow or the presence of blast cells within the peripheral blood defines the blast phase.
There were 514 deaths due to chronic myeloid leukaemia occurring in 2000 and 465 deaths occurring in 1999.