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  • Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) Treatment | I D Cancer Center

What Is Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia?

CLL starts in the bone marrow when lymphocytes grow uncontrollably and accumulate in the blood, lymph nodes, liver, or spleen. It usually progresses slowly, and many people are diagnosed during routine blood tests.

CLL is categorized into:

  • Early-stage (asymptomatic)

  • Intermediate stage

  • Advanced stage (symptomatic or organ-enlarging)

Not every patient needs immediate treatment — many only require monitoring at first.

Common Symptoms of CLL

Patients may experience:

  • Persistent fatigue

  • Enlarged lymph nodes (neck, armpit, groin)

  • Frequent infections

  • Night sweats

  • Loss of appetite

  • Unintended weight loss

  • Enlarged spleen or liver

  • Easy bruising or bleeding

  • Feeling of fullness or abdominal discomfort

Some individuals have no symptoms at diagnosis.

Risk Factors

CLL risk may increase with:

  • Family history of CLL

  • Older age

  • Male gender

  • Genetic abnormalities

  • Immune system disorders

CLL is not contagious and does not spread from person to person.

How CLL Is Diagnosed at I D Cancer Center

1. Blood Tests (CBC)

  • High lymphocyte count

  • Abnormal cell shapes

2. Flow Cytometry

Confirms CLL by detecting characteristic markers on lymphocytes.

3. Bone Marrow Biopsy

Used when needed to assess disease stage and marrow involvement.

4. Genetic & Molecular Testing

Important tests include:

  • FISH panel

  • IGHV mutation status

  • TP53 deletion or mutation

These help select the best therapy.

5. Imaging

  • Ultrasound

  • CT scan (if organ enlargement is suspected)

6. Infection & Immune Function Assessment

Because CLL affects immunity, evaluating infection risk is essential.

When Does CLL Need Treatment?

Not all patients need immediate therapy. Treatment is recommended when there is:

  • Progressive lymph node enlargement

  • Significant fatigue

  • Recurrent infections

  • Rapid rise in lymphocyte count

  • Weight loss or night sweats

  • Enlarged spleen causing discomfort

  • Low hemoglobin or platelet levels

Treatment Options at I D Cancer Center

1. Targeted Therapy (First-Line Treatment)

Modern targeted medicines block specific pathways in cancer cells:

  • Ibrutinib

  • Acalabrutinib

  • Venetoclax

  • Idelalisib
    These therapies have high success rates with fewer side effects.

2. Immunotherapy

  • Monoclonal antibodies (rituximab, obinutuzumab, ofatumumab)
    Often combined with targeted drugs.

3. Chemotherapy (Selected Cases)

Used less frequently today, but may include:

  • Bendamustine

  • Fludarabine

  • Cyclophosphamide

4. Radiation Therapy

Used rarely, but beneficial for:

  • Enlarged lymph nodes

  • Spleen discomfort

  • Symptom relief

I D Cancer Center uses:

  • IMRT / VMAT precision radiotherapy

  • IGRT for daily accuracy

5. Bone Marrow / Stem Cell Transplant

Reserved for:

  • High-risk genetic features

  • Resistant or relapsed disease

6. Supportive Care

  • Infection prevention

  • Immunoglobulin replacement (if needed)

  • Nutrition and lifestyle counseling

  • Psychological support

Prognosis

Most patients with CLL live many years with good quality of life.
Prognosis depends on:

  • Genetic mutations (TP53, IGHV)

  • Stage at diagnosis

  • Response to targeted therapy

With modern treatment, many achieve long-term remission.