CMML: a biologically distinct myeloproliferative disease

Abstract

Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) is a myeloproliferative disorder with unique characteristics. Dysplasia is usually present in the bone marrow, thus CMML has usually been classified as a myelodysplastic syndrome. The recent World Health Organization classification of myeloid malignancies proposes to classify CMML into a new category of myelodysplastic syndromes and myeloproliferative disorders. A new prognostic score has also been developed exclusively for patients with CMML that recognizes four groups with distinct prognoses. Significant biologic findings in the recent months include the recognition of the importance of angiogenesis in CMML with a possible autocrine role for vascular endothelial growth factor, and the further understanding of the role of tyrosine kinase fusion genes and activation in some patients with CMML Therapeutic discoveries have been hampered by the paucity of studies looking specifically at CMML Among agents with potential significant activity are imatinib mesylate (for patients with platelet-derived growth factor beta receptor-associated fusion genes), hypomethylating agents, antiangiogenic agents, farnesyltransferase inhibitors, and topoisomerase I inhibitors. Future studies should consider CMML as a separate entity to promote a better understanding and identify more effective therapy for patients with this disease.