How Is Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Treated?

This content has been reviewed and approved by

Hagop M. Kantarjian, MD
Chairman & Professor, Leukemia Department
MD Anderson Cancer Center
University of Texas

In the early stages, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) may not need treatment and you may be only observed. Many patients may live their normal life span not needing any treatment. Treatment is generally advised in patients with advanced CLL (Rai stage III-IV), if there is bulky disease (lymph nodes, liver spleen), if they have complications of CLL (infections, immune problems), or if they have significant symptoms caused by CLL, such as fatigue, sweats, fever, weight loss, severe skin itching/lesions, or others.

Specific treatment for CLL will be determined by your physician based on:

• Your age, overall health, and medical history
• Extent of the disease
• Stage of the disease
• Your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
• Expectations for the course of the disease
• Your opinion or preference
  

• Chemotherapy
• Monoclonal antibodies (Rituxan^® [rituximab] or Campath^® [alemtuzumab]
• Treatment for complications, such as infection or anemia
• Bone marrow transplantation
• Splenectomy - surgery to remove the spleen
• Radiation therapy