All you need to know about: Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
CLL is sometimes discovered by chance during a regular blood check, in particular if lymphocyte counts are abnormally high
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a form of blood cancer that impacts the blood and bone marrow, often unnoticed in India. Representing less than 5% of all leukemias, CLL's incidence rate stands ten times lower compared to the United States. Lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, are affected by this disease. When these cells multiply abnormally, they form a group known as lymphocytic leukemia.
The immune system relies on white blood cells to combat infections, but in CLL, their count remains high even after an infection has subsided. Unlike other leukemias, CLL progresses at a slower pace, and its exact cause remains unknown. Most cases are detected during routine blood tests, particularly when lymphocyte counts are abnormally high.
Diagnosis involves a complete blood count, peripheral blood film, and flow cytometry, which identifies distinct abnormal B-lymphocytes. Further tests, like genetic analysis, may be necessary for better understanding and prognosis. While a bone marrow test isn't always required, it can be performed if justified or deemed appropriate by the doctor.
Initially, CLL often shows no symptoms, with the primary indicator being an elevated lymphocyte count. As the condition worsens, patients may experience swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, weight loss, fever, anemia, and low platelet counts. Based on the disease's stage, symptoms, overall health, and specific genetic or molecular characteristics, treatment varies.
Many individuals with early, asymptomatic CLL may not need immediate intervention and can opt for regular monitoring, known as the 'watch and wait' approach. Subhasish Chatterjee, diagnosed with CLL five years ago, currently follows this approach, undergoing regular checkups and blood tests every six months. Treatment for CLL may involve targeted oral therapies, such as BTK and BCL2 inhibitors, sometimes in combination with anti-CD20 antibodies.
The choice of treatment is influenced by molecular markers, such as TP53 abnormalities, and is personalized to control the disease effectively, maintain quality of life, and minimize side effects.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu Health's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
