This type of response means the levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets get better. It also means that the symptoms get better too. This type of response most often occurs within a couple of months of starting treatment. The levels of hematologic response include: 

• Complete hematologic response. Levels of blood cells return to normal. There are no CML cells seen in the blood. The spleen is a normal size. 

• Partial hematologic response. Levels of blood cells have improved but have not fully returned to normal. Symptoms have improved but are still present.

This type of response means there is a change in the number of cells with the Ph chromosome in the blood or bone marrow. The levels of cytogenetic response include: 

• Minor cytogenetic response. Fewer cells with the Ph chromosome are found in the blood or bone marrow. But it’s still in 35 percent to 90 percent of the cells.

• Major cytogenetic response. There are 35 percent or fewer cells with the Ph chromosome than at diagnosis. This term is sometimes used to describe either a complete or partial response.

• Partial cytogenetic response. This is when one percent to 35 percent of the cells in the blood or bone marrow still have the Ph chromosome.

• Complete cytogenetic response. No cells with the Ph chromosome are found in the blood or bone marrow.

This type of response shows if the BCR-ABL gene can still be found in the blood or bone marrow. The levels of molecular response include: 

• Major. This means the level of BCR-ABL detected is very low.

• Complete. This means the BCR-ABL gene can't be detected.

• Early molecular response. This is done at 3 and 6 months after treatment starts. It means that at 3 and 6 months, the BCR-ABL gene is found in less than 10 percent of the cells. 

Your healthcare team will explain what your test results mean for your treatment and your prognosis. If one type of treatment has no effect, or works for a while and then stops, your team may switch you to another type of treatment. Studies have shown that people with CML who have a complete or partial cytogenetic response tend to live longer than those who don’t. However, the leukemia may still come back in some people even after a complete cytogenetic response. Talk with your healthcare team about what your results mean for you.