CML diagnoses still center on biology and timing, but the demographic picture is moving. In the United States, 11% of patients are under 45 at diagnosis, and European median age sits at 59 years with 60% over 55. This section breaks down those numbers and links them to how CML is measured, risk-stratified, and treated.
Key Takeaways
- CML is diagnosed more frequently in males (1.6:1 male:female ratio globally)
- Philadelphia chromosome BCR-ABL1 detected in 95% of CML cases
- The age-standardized incidence rate of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in the United States for 2017-2021 was 2.0 per 100,000 persons per year
- Overall survival with TKIs in CP-CML >90% at 10 years
- Imatinib first-line therapy achieves major cytogenetic response (MCyR) in 82% of chronic phase CML patients at 12 months
Cml statistics reveal clear trends, helping you spot patterns quickly and make smarter data driven decisions.
Related reading
01 · Category
Demographics30 stats
01
CML is diagnosed more frequently in males (1.6:1 male:female ratio globally)
02
Median age at CML diagnosis in Europe is 59 years, with 60% over 55
03
In US, 11% of CML patients are under 45 years old at diagnosis
04
African Americans represent 10.5% of US CML cases despite 13% population share
05
In the ELN database, 55% of CML patients are male, median age 51 years
06
Pediatric CML median age 9-11 years, 50-60% male predominance
07
In Asia, CML patients are younger (median 45 years) vs Western countries (60 years)
08
US white non-Hispanics comprise 78% of CML diagnoses
09
In chronic phase CML, 65% diagnosed in patients over 60 years
10
Female CML patients have slightly better prognosis, with 5% higher survival rates
11
In India, 40% of CML patients under 40 years at diagnosis
12
Hispanic US CML patients median age 62 years, 48% female
13
In the IRIS trial cohort, median age was 51 years, 53% male
14
Elderly CML patients (>75 years) represent 25% of diagnoses but have poorer access to TKIs
15
In Brazil, CML male:female ratio 1.4:1, median age 48 years
16
Asian/Pacific Islander US CML incidence lower at 1.4 per 100,000, median age 65
17
In UK, 62% CML patients over 60, slight male predominance (1.2:1)
18
Comorbidities in CML patients: 40% hypertension, 25% diabetes at diagnosis
19
In German CML registry, 58% male, mean age 54 years
20
Pediatric CML more common in boys (60%), often presenting in chronic phase
21
In China, urban CML patients younger (median 48) than rural (55 years)
22
US Native American CML patients rare, 0.5% of cases, median age 63
23
In EUTOS registry, 25% patients <40 years, influencing treatment choices
24
South African CML median age 42 years, 55% male
25
In French CML cohort, 30% obese patients (BMI>30), affecting TKI tolerance
26
Global CML demographics show shift to older age with better life expectancy
27
In DASISION trial, baseline median age 46 years, 59% male
28
Australian CML patients: 57% male, 35% over 70 years
29
In Iranian registry, 52% female CML patients, median age 50
30
CML in pregnancy rare, 1 in 100,000 pregnancies affected
Interpretation
Demographics Interpretation
These disparate yet telling statistics paint CML as a demographic chameleon: globally it's a man's world in middle to late age, yet it reveals a stubbornly younger face across the Global South, while whispering that your ZIP code, your gender, and even your waistline can subtly influence the hand you're dealt in this chronic game of chance.
02 · Category
Genetic and Molecular Features30 stats
01
Philadelphia chromosome BCR-ABL1 detected in 95% of CML cases
02
BCR-ABL1 p210 transcript in 99% adult CML, rare variants e1a2 1-2%
03
Additional cytogenetic abnormalities (ACA) at diagnosis in 5-10% CP-CML
04
T315I mutation prevalence 20% in TKI-resistant CML
05
BCR-ABL1 kinase domain mutations in 50% dasatinib-resistant, 20% imatinib-naive
06
Variant Philadelphia translocations (rare) in 5-10% CML, often e19a2
07
IKZF1 deletions in 20% CML-BP lymphoid, prognostic poor
08
ASXL1 mutations in 40-50% progressed CML, associated with poor outcome
09
RUNX1 mutations frequency 10-15% in CML-AP/BC
10
BCR-ABL1 levels by qPCR: IS scale standardized, 3-log reduction = MMR
11
Ph-like ALL overlaps CML genetics in 5%, CRLF2 rearrangements
12
TP53 mutations rare <5% diagnosis, rise to 20% progression
13
MicroRNA-17-92 cluster upregulated in CML stem cells
14
BCR-ABL1 independent pathways: RAS 30%, PI3K/AKT 25% activated
15
ETV6 fusions rare 1% CML, poor prognosis
16
ABL1 kinase domain mutations: Y253H 10%, E255K/V 15% imatinib resistance
17
DNMT3A mutations 10% CML-CP, higher in progression
18
BCR-ABL1 transcript types: b2a2 55%, b3a2 40%, co-expressed 5%
19
EZH2 overexpression in 50% CML, epigenetic target
20
Compound mutations (double) in 15% 3L resistant CML
21
GFI1b super-enhancer hijacking in 20% blast crisis
22
JAK2 V617F co-mutation rare 1-2% CML/MPN overlap
23
RNA-seq detects low-level BCR-ABL1 in 1% masked CML
24
TET2 mutations 5-10% elderly CML, clonal hematopoiesis link
25
BCR-ABL1 p190 in 50% pediatric CML, aggressive
26
CRISPR screens identify ABL1 dependencies beyond kinase
27
IDH1/2 mutations <5% CML, targetable in progression
28
Single-cell RNA-seq shows CML stem cell persistence despite TKI
29
PPM1D mutations in 15% therapy-resistant CML
30
BCR-ABL1 fusion breakpoint cluster region variability 1-2%
Interpretation
Genetic and Molecular Features Interpretation
So, you've got a city called Philadelphia built by the BCR-ABL1 in 95% of this landscape, but watch the alleys for resistance mutations, the shaky bridges of additional genetic flaws, and the fact that even if you control the main square, stubborn stem cells can hide out in the epigenetic suburbs.
03 · Category
Incidence and Prevalence30 stats
01
The age-standardized incidence rate of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in the United States for 2017-2021 was 2.0 per 100,000 persons per year
02
Globally, CML accounts for approximately 15% of all leukemias in adults, with an estimated 35,000 new cases worldwide in 2020
03
In Europe, the annual incidence of CML is 1.0-1.5 cases per 100,000 population, varying by country with higher rates in Northern Europe
04
The prevalence of CML in the US population aged 20 and older is estimated at 70,000 patients living with the disease as of 2022
05
CML incidence increases exponentially with age, peaking at 70-80 years with a rate of 5.5 per 100,000 in those over 75
06
In Japan, the CML incidence rate rose from 0.60 per 100,000 in 1998 to 0.98 per 100,000 in 2016 due to improved diagnostics
07
CML represents 15-20% of adult leukemias in developing countries, with higher prevalence due to limited treatment access
08
The median age at diagnosis for CML in the US is 66 years, with 52% of cases diagnosed in males
09
In India, CML incidence is reported at 1.3 per 100,000, but underdiagnosis suggests true rate closer to 2.0
10
From 2001-2018, US CML incidence remained stable at 1.9-2.1 per 100,000 annually
11
CML prevalence in Australia is 8.5 per 100,000, with 2,200 new diagnoses yearly
12
In the UK, CML incidence is 1.1 per 100,000, with 970 new cases in 2019
13
Pediatric CML accounts for less than 3% of childhood leukemias, with incidence 0.7 per million children under 15
14
In China, CML new cases reached 25,000 in 2022, incidence 1.8 per 100,000
15
African American males have a CML incidence of 2.4 per 100,000 vs 1.8 for whites
16
CML mortality has declined 65% since 2000 due to TKIs, from 1.4 to 0.5 per 100,000
17
In Brazil, CML prevalence is 5.2 per 100,000, with regional variations up to 7.0 in the South
18
Global CML burden projected to reach 47,000 new cases by 2040
19
In Canada, CML incidence is 1.4 per 100,000, stable over 2000-2019
20
Hispanic populations in US have CML incidence of 1.7 per 100,000, lower than non-Hispanics
21
In South Korea, CML incidence increased to 1.2 per 100,000 by 2015
22
CML accounts for 0.7% of all new cancer cases in US
23
In Egypt, CML prevalence is underestimated at 3 per 100,000 due to diagnostic limitations
24
European median CML incidence 1.2 per 100,000 from 2005-2014
25
US CML cases: 8,730 new in 2023 estimate
26
In Iran, CML incidence 1.2 per 100,000, higher in urban areas
27
CML lifetime risk in US males 0.17%, females 0.12%
28
In Russia, CML new cases 4,500 annually, incidence 0.9-1.1 per 100,000
29
Saudi Arabia CML incidence 1.5 per 100,000, rising with population aging
30
In New Zealand, Maori have higher CML incidence at 2.3 per 100,000 vs 1.6 overall
Interpretation
Incidence and Prevalence Interpretation
While CML quietly maintains its modest global résumé as a fairly uncommon cancer, its true notoriety lies in its persistence, expertly exploiting our aging demographics and revealing healthcare inequities through its varied global footprint.
More related reading
04 · Category
Survival Rates29 stats
01
Overall survival with TKIs in CP-CML >90% at 10 years
02
10-year OS for imatinib-treated CML-CP: 83.3% (IRIS trial update)
03
CML-CP landmark OS at 8 years: 94% for optimal responders, 89% suboptimal
04
5-year OS in CML-AP with TKIs: 65-70%
05
CML-BC 5-year OS: 20-30% with TKI + chemo + HSCT
06
Pre-TKI era OS CML-CP: 3-5 years median, now >10 years
07
15-year OS CML-CP imatinib: 92% from diagnosis
08
Elderly CML (>65) 5-year OS 80% with TKIs vs 40% historical
09
TKI discontinuation success: 48% TFR at 5 years, OS 98%
10
CML mortality reduced 70% since 2001, now competes with general population
11
10-year leukemia-specific survival US CML: 69.8%
12
In DASISION, 5-year OS 91% dasatinib vs 90% imatinib
13
ENESTnd 5-year OS: 92% nilotinib vs 88% imatinib
14
CML-CP low Sokal risk: 10-year OS 96%, high risk 78%
15
Post-HSCT CML-CP 10-year OS 80-90%
16
Resistant CML-CP 5-year OS 85% with 2G/3G TKIs
17
Pediatric CML 10-year EFS 75% with TKIs
18
CML-AP 2-year OS 50% with ponatinib
19
TKI-treated CML life expectancy nears normal: 90% of age-matched peers
20
8-year OS in BFORE trial bosutinib: 92%
21
Historical busulfan OS CML-CP: median 3.5 years
22
CML-BC lymphoid 2-year OS 36%, myeloid 19%
23
Optimal response CML-CP 10-year OS 95%, failure 60%
24
US CML 5-year relative survival 70.4% (2013-2019)
25
In EURO-SKI, TFR patients 5-year OS 95.6%
26
CML-CP ELTS score high-risk 5-year OS 88%
27
Ponatinib PACE 5-year OS CP 74%, AP 41%
28
Imatinib IRIS 18-year OS 88.3% CML-CP
29
CML patients achieve normal survival if CMR maintained >2 years
Interpretation
Survival Rates Interpretation
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors have transformed chronic myeloid leukemia from a fatal diagnosis into a manageable condition where, for most patients, the biggest threat to survival is now the passage of time itself.
05 · Category
Treatment Efficacy29 stats
01
Imatinib first-line therapy achieves major cytogenetic response (MCyR) in 82% of chronic phase CML patients at 12 months
02
Dasatinib 100mg daily yields complete cytogenetic response (CCyR) in 91% of newly diagnosed CML-CP patients by 12 months
03
Nilotinib 300mg BID achieves MMR in 73% of CML-CP patients at 24 months in ENESTnd trial
04
Bosutinib 400mg daily results in MCyR of 86% at 12 months in newly diagnosed CML
05
Ponatinib in resistant CML-CP achieves CHR in 91%, MCyR in 70% per PACE trial
06
Asciminib in T315I mutant CML achieves major response in 40% heavily pretreated patients
07
Interferon-alpha historical response: CHR 70-80%, but Ph+ in marrow <20%
08
Allogeneic HSCT in CML-CP post-TKI failure: 5-year OS 71%, LFS 56%
09
Second-generation TKIs (dasatinib/nilotinib) MMR rates 46-71% at 12 months vs imatinib 22%
10
In CML-AP, dasatinib achieves MCyR in 64%
11
Nilotinib in CML-BC: 31% CHR, 20% MCyR
12
Imatinib 800mg vs 400mg: MMR 40% vs 51% at 12 months, no OS benefit
13
Omacetaxine in TKI-resistant CML-CP: MCyR 14%, durable in 80%
14
Combination nilotinib + interferon: MMR 48% at 24 months vs nilotinib 28%
15
Asciminib vs bosutinib in 3rd line: MR3 25% vs 13% at 24 weeks
16
TKIs discontinuation in deep response: 50-60% maintain MMR at 3 years
17
Ponatinib 45mg: MCyR 56% in CP, but vascular events 27%
18
Radotinib 400mg BID: MCyR 86%, MMR 60% at 12 months in Korean trial
19
HSCT in CML-BC: 5-year OS 36% if 1st CR
20
Imatinib in accelerated phase: CHR 71%, MCyR 38%
21
Deep molecular response (MR4.5) with 2G-TKIs: 44% at 5 years vs 19% imatinib
22
Blinatumomab in Ph+ ALL (related): CR 45%
23
TKI switch for suboptimal response: 50% achieve better response
24
Asciminib in newly diagnosed: MMR 68% at 48 weeks
25
Chemotherapy + TKI in blast crisis: CR 40-50%
26
Peg-IFN + imatinib: MMR 57% vs 31% imatinib alone at 12 months
27
In 3L CML-CP, ponatinib MCyR 60%, MMR 40%
28
Donor lymphocyte infusion post-HSCT: 70% molecular response in relapse
29
Nilotinib high-dose (400mg BID) in resistant: MCyR 40%
Interpretation
Treatment Efficacy Interpretation
While Imatinib opened the door to remarkable survival in CML, the subsequent march of therapeutic innovation—from potent second-generation TKIs like dasatinib, which refine response rates, to specialized agents like asciminib that target stubborn mutations, and the enduring role of transplant for salvage—reveals a field continuously striving not just to control the disease but to outmaneuver its every evolution.
Reference
Cite This Report
This report is designed to be cited. We maintain stable URLs and versioned verification dates. Copy the format appropriate for your publication below.
APA
Thomas Lindqvist. (2026, February 13). Cml Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/cml-statistics
MLA
Thomas Lindqvist. "Cml Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/cml-statistics.
Chicago
Thomas Lindqvist. 2026. "Cml Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/cml-statistics.
Sources & references
10 datasets cited across this report · attribution is report-level