Understanding chronic myelomonocytic leukemia to improve nursing care

Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) is a rare, aggressive type of leukemia that can exhibit myeloproliferative and myelodysplastic features and has a propensity to transform into acute myeloid leukemia (AML). CMML is characterized by specific cytogenetic abnormalities and identified laboratory findings that support the diagnosis. Clinical manifestations of the disorder depend on disease subtype. Current treatments are supportive with a goal of increasing time to transformation into AML and decreasing end-organ damage. The only known cure for CMML is allogeneic stem cell transplant. This article discusses the pathophysiology, diagnosis, complications, and management of CMML, as well as nursing considerations when caring for patients with this hematologic malignancy. It aims to define unique characteristics of CMML to aid nurses in providing effective care to these patients.