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Citation:
Weerakkody Y, Knipe H, Blast crisis. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 28 Mar 2025) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-94695
A blast crisis or lymphoid blast crisis refers to the transition of chronic or accelerated phase chronic myeloid leukaemia to acute leukaemia. It is usually characterised by
- ≥30% blasts in the bone marrow or peripheral blood
or
- development of extramedullary disease outside of the spleen
Among patients with transformation
- 20-30% will develop a blast crisis with lymphoid-associated antigens (Ly-BC)
- 70-80% will develop a blast crisis with myeloid-associated antigens (My-BC) or with both (Mix-BC) 2
Treatment and prognosis
Traditionally considered incurable although tyrosine kinase therapy or allogeneic transplantation may halt progression 3.
See also
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1. Cervantes F, Villamor N, Esteve J et al. 'Lymphoid' Blast Crisis of Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia is Associated with Distinct Clinicohaematological Features. Br J Haematol. 1998;100(1):123-8. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2141.1998.00542.x - Pubmed
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2. Yen C, Liu J, Wang W et al. Immunophenotypic and Genotypic Characteristics of Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia in Blast Crisis. Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi (Taipei). 2000;63(11):785-91. - Pubmed
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3. Radich J. The Biology of CML Blast Crisis. Hematology Am Soc Hematol Educ Program. 2007;2007(1):384-91. doi:10.1182/asheducation-2007.1.384 - Pubmed
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