Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is associated with which risk factor?

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is primarily associated with exposure to ionizing radiation. This link is supported by epidemiological studies showing that individuals who have been exposed to higher levels of ionizing radiation, such as atomic bomb survivors or patients receiving radiation therapy for other medical conditions, have a significantly increased risk of developing CML. Ionizing radiation is thought to cause genetic mutations in hematopoietic cells, leading to the development of cancers such as leukemia.

The distinct pathophysiological feature of CML is the presence of the Philadelphia chromosome, which results from a translocation between chromosomes 9 and 22, creating the BCR-ABL fusion gene. This genetic alteration is crucial in the pathogenesis of CML, and exposure to environmental risk factors like ionizing radiation can contribute to its occurrence.

While smoking, viral infections, and obesity are associated with various other types of cancers or leukemia, they do not have the same degree of established link to CML as ionizing radiation. Understanding the specific risk factors associated with CML helps clinicians identify patients at potential risk and can guide screening and preventive strategies.