Rapid Progression From Chronic Phase to Blast Crisis: Prognostic Implications of Bone Marrow Fibrosis in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

Authors

  • Divya Rajendra R. Ajmera Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
  • Noor Aini Anuwar Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
  • Hany Haqimi Wan Hanafi Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
  • Nur Syazwani Jamhuri International Islamic University Malaysia
  • Guang Yong Chong Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
  • Nor Saaidah Kamal Rodin Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
  • Tshering Pem Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
  • Nor Rafeah Tumian Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31436/imjm.v25i03.2931

Keywords:

chronic myeloid leukaemia, bone marrow fibrosis, tyrosine kinase inhibitor, adolescent, blast crisis

Abstract

Chronic myeloid leuka;emia (CML) demonstrates variable responses to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI). The prognostic impact of bone marrow fibrosis (BMF), particularly at diagnosis, remains under-recognised, especially in adolescent patients. We report a case of a 14-year-old male diagnosed with chronic-phase CML who progressed rapidly to blast crisis within 12 months. Despite treatment with imatinib followed by nilotinib, the patient failed to achieve a complete cytogenetic response due to severe cytopenia and frequent dose interruptions. Retrospective analysis of the initial bone marrow biopsy revealed grade 3 fibrosis. The disease remained refractory despite high-dose induction chemotherapy. This case highlights the potential prognostic relevance of BMF in adolescent CML and supports the integration of reticulin staining into the diagnostic workup to guide timely intervention.

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Published

01.07.2026

How to Cite

Rajendra R. Ajmera, D., Anuwar, N. A., Wan Hanafi, H. H., Jamhuri, N. S., Chong , G. Y., Kamal Rodin, N. S., Pem, T., & Tumian, N. R. (2026). Rapid Progression From Chronic Phase to Blast Crisis: Prognostic Implications of Bone Marrow Fibrosis in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia. IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia, 25(03). https://doi.org/10.31436/imjm.v25i03.2931