Myeloproliferative neoplasms
Chronic neutrophilic leukemia
Chronic neutrophilic leukemia (CNL) is a rare blood cancer in which the marrow makes too many mature neutrophils. It commonly involves a CSF3R gene alteration and must be distinguished from infection-related neutrophilia and other myeloid cancers.
Other names and abbreviations
CNL · CSF3R-mutated CNL · myeloproliferative neoplasm · MPN · BCR::ABL1-negative chronic neutrophilic leukemia
Where transplant fits
Allogeneic transplantation offers curative potential for eligible patients. Related and unrelated donors have been used, but evidence comes from small observational cohorts; these studies do not show how often all people with CNL need an unrelated donor or establish the best treatment sequence for every patient.
Treatment depends on the exact diagnosis, disease stage, prior treatment and the person’s health. These categories are not estimates of donor demand.
Treatment at a glance
- Who it affects
- CNL mainly affects adults, often in later adulthood.
- Other treatment options
- Hydroxyurea can control high counts; selected patients receive interferon, ruxolitinib or a clinical trial. The disease’s molecular features, symptoms and response guide treatment. These medicines can reduce disease burden but are not established cures.
- Cells used for transplantation
- Donated blood-forming cells for allogeneic transplantation. Marrow, peripheral blood or cord blood and donor type are selected for the patient and transplant approach.
Questions to bring to your care team
What is the exact diagnosis or subtype? What is the goal of each treatment option? If transplant is being considered, why does it fit this situation, which cells would be used and what are the alternatives?
Sources and further reading
- WHO fifth-edition classification: Myeloid and Histiocytic/Dendritic Neoplasms
WHO classification authors / Leukemia · Accessed 2026-09-05 - Outcomes of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation for chronic neutrophilic leukemia
CIBMTR / EBMT / British Journal of Haematology · Accessed 2026-09-05 - Myeloproliferative Neoplasms Treatment (PDQ), Health Professional Version
NCI · Accessed 2026-09-05 - Stem Cell and Bone Marrow Transplants for Cancer
NCI · Accessed 2026-09-05 - Donor and cord blood unit selection guidelines
NMDP / CIBMTR · Accessed 2026-09-05
Understanding can become action.
Some patients need a blood stem cell donor. Others receive different treatment. Wherever your interest began, you can help JBF reach more people who may be able to donate.
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