Medical Conditions

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia is a cancer of the white blood cells. CLL begins when the DNA of a single cell mutates or changes. The mutated cells begin to multiply and replace normal lymphocytes in the bone marrow and lymph nodes. The CLL cells may begin to crowd out the normal cells in the bone marrow. CLL cells are unable to fight infection. Doctors do not know what causes the cells to change. To date, CLL has not been associated with any environmental or external factors.

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CML) Facts

• This is the most common type of leukemia in adults over 50.
• CLL affects men 2 to 3 times more often than women.
• Children do not get CLL.
• An estimated 85,710 people in the United States are living with, or are in remission from CLL.
• CLL often causes no symptoms.
• It typically progresses more slowly than other types of leukemia.
• Many people with CLL live good-quality lives for years with medical care and proper genetic testing.

Prognosis for CML

With a survival rate averaging ten years from diagnosis and CLL occurring most often in those over 60, the disease does not necessarily shorten life expectancy. In order to give an accurate prognosis doctors must factor in variables such as the stage and behavior of the disease. Some people may live many years without treatment while others may require aggressive therapies including chemotherapy. Tests that look at cell genetic changes help predict the diseases behavior and better anticipate the patient’s life expectancy.

CLL Staging

Many doctors use a system called staging to help plan treatment for people with CLL. Below is an example of the "Rai staging system":

Low-Risk CLL

• High lymphocyte count in the blood and the marrow.

Intermediate-Risk CLL

• High lymphocyte count in the blood and the marrow
• Enlarged (swollen) lymph nodes (may also have enlarged liver or spleen).

High-Risk CLL

• High lymphocyte count in the blood and the marrow
• Anemia (low red cell count) OR a low platelet count.

What to expect when you get diagnosed with CML
For many patients with CLL, no treatment is started and a "wait and see" strategy is implemented. However, patients must remain under the care of their doctor and be consistently monitored. If genetic testing indicates a faster progressing and more high risk type of CLL, treatment will commence immediately. Indications for treatment would also be:

• Recurring infections
• Rapid growing Leukemia
• Anemia and low platelet count
• Complaints of loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, or night sweats

Treatment for CLL may include:

• Chemotherapy drugs (most common)
• Radiation to reduce painful enlarged lymph nodes
• Blood or platelet transfusions if blood counts are low
• Bone marrow or stem cell transplantation in younger patients with advanced CLL

Questions to ask your doctor

For a comprehensive list of questions for your doctor or healthcare provider please see the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is the world's largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research, education and patient services. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is a comprehensive resource for patients diagnosed with CLL.

Invivoscribe is not affiliated with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.