What tests will I need to do for my CMML and how often?

What tests are usually required for CMML and how often should they be done?

The most common test that's checked is just blood tests to look at the complete blood count and different, metabolic profiles, looking at how organ function.

But a really key part of CMML management is a bone marrow biopsy, not only to diagnose a patient, but also to check if the disease has progressed and to see if there's been response to therapy.

So bone marrow biopsy is a really key aspect of management and diagnosis and monitoring of CMML.

So bone marrow biopsy sounds really severe. In some patients it can be uncomfortable, but it becomes very routine. And most patients are able to tolerate it extremely well.

There are other tests which may occur in patients who have CMML, like ultrasounds, to check for the size of the spleen or different evaluations of organ functions.

But as hematology oncology doctors our main tools are really blood counts. And to do bone marrow biopsies. Now, we send a lot of the blood and specimens from bone marrow biopsies for very advanced testing to see exactly what's happening on a mutational level, on a cellular level, to see exactly how we can best serve someone who has CMML.

But those tests are really done based on blood and by, bone marrow biopsy.