The CML Patient Journey: A Multidisciplinary Approach to CML Management

The Inside the Clinic program titled “The CML Patient Journey: A Multidisciplinary Approach to CML Management” explores the collaborative care strategies used in treating CML, a type of myeloid cancer. The discussion is led by a team from the Moffitt Cancer Center, featuring clinical investigators, nurse practitioners, and pharmacy specialists. They bring together diverse expertise to address the patient experience, from initial diagnosis to treatment planning, emphasizing the importance of coordinated care across disciplines.

The session begins with a clinical case involving a 63-year-old woman who presents with elevated white blood cell counts and splenomegaly during a routine physical. Lab work shows increased basophils, neutrophils, and eosinophils, alongside a peripheral smear with immature myeloid cells. A chromosomal translocation (9;22) confirms the diagnosis of CML, and polymerase chain reaction testing reveals a high disease burden. This case sets the stage for discussing when community physicians should refer patients to specialized cancer centers for further evaluation and treatment options.

One expert emphasizes that although community oncologists can often make a CML diagnosis, referral to a tertiary center is recommended when there are uncertainties or if the patient may benefit from clinical trials or advanced diagnostic tools such as next-generation sequencing. A bone marrow assessment is also considered crucial for accurate staging and prognosis. The panel underscores that early treatment initiation is key to achieving remission, and that multidisciplinary input ensures that each patient receives a comprehensive, individualized care plan.