When we hear the word leukemia we are immediately frightened but let’s see more deeply what it is and why chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a disease that can be managed.
I’m not saying it’s a simple disease, it’s actually a very complex pathology but it has some characteristics that make it, let’s say, bearable!
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia is in fact a disease with very slow progression, which occurs in old age. The treatment of this pathology has evolved a lot and from generic protocols, we have now arrived at protocols defined for each patient.
This change of approach to the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia has literally changed the evolution of the disease. In particular, the use of antibodies capable of stimulating the immune system of each patient has made the fight against this pathology much more effective.
But let’s see in more detail what it is.
The article is not exhaustive, but it answers some of the main requests of my readers. In the event that chronic lymphocytic leukemia is diagnosed, you must go to a center specialized in the treatment of this particular pathology.
A plain definition of Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL)
Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is a form of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. The disease is characterized by the overgrowth of abnormal, mature white blood cells called lymphocytes. These cells are part of the immune system, designed to protect the body from infections and other diseases. With CLL, these aberrant lymphocytes pile up in the bloodstream, bone marrow, and other areas of the body, impairing their normal functions. Generally a slower-developing cancer, CLL is typically seen most frequently in people aged 60 or more and tends to be more frequent among males. Common symptoms associated with CLL can include fatigue, weight loss, fever, night sweats, and swollen lymph nodes. Depending on the person’s unique circumstances, treatments for this illness may involve chemotherapy, targeted therapies or immune therapy.
Prognosis
Well, the prognosis for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) varies depending on several factors:
– the stage of the disease at diagnosis
– the age of the patient
– the presence of certain genetic markers.
In general, CLL is a slow-growing cancer that can progress over a period of several years. Some patients with CLL may not require treatment right away, as the disease may not be causing any symptoms. For other patients, treatment may be necessary to slow the progression of the disease and alleviate symptoms.
Life expectancy
The five-year survival rate for individuals with CLL is estimated at 83%, and after a decade this is thought to drop to 72%. Nevertheless, these figures are based on several people and may not reflect the outlook of each patient. Some may experience long periods of remission, while others could have a more rapid course of the disease. Generally speaking, those who are younger, have a better genetic profile and receive treatment earlier tend to have a more optimistic outcome.
It seems absurd but for some patients this diagnosis represents a moment to take care of themselves and perhaps dedicate the time to take a trip they have always wanted to do or dedicate themselves to an activity they have always wanted to do. Pathology has put them in front of their desires but above all the difference between dreaming of doing something and actually doing it! I’m not saying that this diagnosis is a blessing but rather this diagnosis is a push to do things that they had previously neglected to take care of the family or because of their jobs.
Nobody can predict the life expectancy of an individual patient with CLL, as the disease can progress at different rates in different people. Some patients with CLL may live for many years with the disease, while others may have a shorter life expectancy.
Stages of CLL
There are several different staging systems that are used to classify the severity of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). The most used staging system is the RAI staging system, which is based on the number and size of lymph nodes that are affected by the disease, as well as the presence or absence of certain blood abnormalities. According to the RAI staging system there are IV stages of CLL. Stage 0 presents no abnormalities in either the blood or lymph nodes. Moving on to stage I, mild anaemia and/or thrombocytopenia exist, although with no enlargement of the lymph nodes. Stage II sees only slightly enlarged lymph nodes, with no additional issues in the blood. Stage III signifies moderate anaemia and/or thrombocytopenia, accompanied by a moderate enlargement of the lymph nodes. Finally, Stage IV denotes a severe anaemia and/or thrombocytopenia with greatly swollen lymph nodes.
It is important to note that the stages of CLL are not necessarily predictive of the prognosis or the likelihood of the disease progressing. The stage of the disease is one factor that may be considered when determining the best treatment plan for an individual patient.
Symptoms of CLL
The symptoms of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) can vary widely from one person to another, and some people may not experience any symptoms at all.
Individuals living with CLL may feel fatigued and weak, even after resting. Unintentional weight loss is another symptom, even if the individual is eating normally. Additionally, some people may experience recurrent fevers of unknown origin and excessive sweating at night. Lymph nodes in the neck, underarms, and groin can become swollen as a result of CLL, while weakened immunity may make it difficult to fight off infections.
The same symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, and they do not necessarily indicate the presence of CLL. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, your doctor will determine the cause and you will receive appropriate treatment.
Diagnosis of CLL
The diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is typically based on the results of a physical examination, a review of the patient’s medical history, and certain laboratory tests. Some of the tests that may be used to diagnose CLL include:
- Blood tests: Blood tests can help determine if there are abnormalities in the blood that may be suggestive of CLL. These tests may include a complete blood count (CBC), which measures the number of red and white blood cells and platelets in the blood, and a blood smear, which allows the healthcare provider to examine the cells under a microscope.
- Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy: A bone marrow aspiration and biopsy may be used to determine if there are abnormal lymphocytes in the bone marrow, which is the spongy tissue inside the bones where blood cells are made. During a bone marrow aspiration, a needle is used to remove a small sample of bone marrow. During a bone marrow biopsy, a small sample of bone marrow and bone is removed with a needle.
- Lymph node biopsy: A lymph node biopsy may be used to determine if there are abnormal lymphocytes in the lymph nodes. During a lymph node biopsy, a small sample of tissue is removed from a lymph node and examined under a microscope.
If CLL is suspected, additional tests may be needed to confirm the diagnosis and determine the stage of the disease.
Treatment of CLL
The treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is tailored to the specific needs of the individual patient and may involve a combination of different therapies. Some of the treatment options for CLL include:
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. It may be used alone or in combination with other treatments.
- Targeted therapies: Targeted therapies are drugs that are designed to target specific proteins or pathways that are involved in the development and progression of CLL. These drugs may be used alone or in combination with chemotherapy.
- Immunotherapies: Immunotherapies are drugs that stimulate the immune system to attack cancer cells. These drugs may be used alone or in combination with chemotherapy or targeted therapies.
- Stem cell transplant: A stem cell transplant involves replacing the patient’s diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells. This treatment is typically reserved for patients with advanced CLL or for those who have not responded to other therapies.
The specific treatment plan for a patient with CLL will depend on the stage of the disease, the patient’s age and overall health, and the presence of certain genetic markers.
Conclusion
CLL is a slow-growing cancer that can progress over a period of several years, and it is more common in people over the age of 60. Symptoms of CLL can include fatigue, weight loss, fever, night sweats, and swollen lymph nodes. Treatment for CLL may include chemotherapy, targeted therapies, or immune therapies, depending on the specific needs of the individual patient. The prognosis for CLL varies depending on a number of factors, including the stage of the disease at diagnosis, the age of the patient, and the presence of certain genetic markers.
A diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia is neither good nor bad news. It is a very slowly evolving pathology which is currently treated with a protocol tailored to each patient. The patient’s approach to the disease makes a big difference.
Disclaimer
The information contained herein is not and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Before making any changes to your diet, exercise or treatment, always consult your doctor or a qualified health professional.
The guidance provided may not be appropriate for your specific situation. Never make any decisions about your health based solely on the information provided in this article.
The author and creator of this article are not responsible for any damage or loss resulting from the improper use of the information presented here. Remember that each person is unique and therefore needs a personalized approach to health.
If you have any concerns about your health, please consult a qualified medical professional.