Review of diagnosis and treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is defined by a minimum of 5 x 10⁹/l monoclonal B cells in the blood. CLL is associated with an immunocompromised state and an increased rate of complications from infections. A publication in JAMA reviews diagnosis and treatment of CLL. Approximately 70% to 80% of patients are asymptomatic at the time of diagnosis. For asymptomatic patients clinical observation is the standard of care. Approximately two-thirds of patients eventually need treatment. Highly effective novel targeted agents include BTK inhibitors and BCL2 inhibitors.