As stated earlier, as a result of the neoplastic clone in cases of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML), the Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome can be found in most blood cells in persons with CML, including some lymphoid cells. It is not found on other somatic cells or fibroblasts. The Ph chromosome was the first chromosomal abnormality found consistently associated with malignant disease.
The Ph chromosome, in some cases, can be detected months before CML is diagnosed. Once the chromosome is identified, its levels will rise and fall as a reflection of neoplasm activity. Because of this, it can be used to determine the progression, remission, and relapse of the disease.
Because all hematopoietic cells can be involved in the process, as evidenced by the presence of the Ph chromosome in these cells, it is thought that the original neoplastic cells are likely pluripotent stem cells.
