CLL CLINICAL CARE TOOLKIT INTRODUCTION

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is largely a disease of older individuals. As the incidence rate rises with age, the prevalence and mortality of CLL are likely to increase further due to demographic changes in society. Moreover, the proportion of younger patients with asymptomatic, early stage CLL is increasing due to more frequent blood testing during routine doctor visits. CLL is a heterogeneous disease and the decision of when and how to treat the disease is largely dependent on patient-specific factors.

Extensive research over the last decade has begun to identify different immunologic, biochemical, and genetic features of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) that offer opportunity for therapeutic targeting. Routine genetic testing can now detect mutations and chromosomal abnormalities that impact a patient’s prognosis and therapeutic options. Early identification of patients with high-risk genetic markers and the use of novel targeted therapies can drastically improve patient outcomes. In this Clinical Toolkit, you will find recent treatment guidelines, clinical trial data on novel therapies, and research on biomarkers that impact treatment selection. A list of additional resources is provided to help improve the clinical outcomes of patients with CLL.