Understanding CLL
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia, or CLL, is a slow-growing cancer in the blood and bone marrow.1 It is the most common type of adult leukemia in the U.S.2
ESTIMATED NEW CASES OF CLL IN THE U.S. IN 20173
CLL is generally a disease that affects older adults.3
AVERAGE AGE AT DIAGNOSIS3
MAY HAVE OTHER MEDICAL CONDITIONS AT DIAGNOSIS4
In people with CLL, the leukemia starts in white blood cells called lymphocytes.1
These CLL cells multiply uncontrollably, eventually crowding out normal cells in the bone marrow and in the bloodstream.1
Sometimes, genetic changes are present in CLL cells that can make the disease more difficult to treat. Common types of genetic changes associated with poor outcomes in people with CLL include:5
Signs and symptoms of CLL vary and may take years to appear.1
Physicians may recommend a “watch and wait” or observational approach until disease progression for some people with CLL who do not show any symptoms.9
Symptoms of CLL may be seen in other conditions as well. Only a doctor will be able to tell if the symptoms are related to CLL.9
PERSISTENT WEAKNESS AND TIREDNESS
WEIGHT LOSS
SWOLLEN LYMPH NODES OR ENLARGED SPLEEN
FEVER
REPEATED INFECTIONS
BLEEDING
CLL is incurable.8
Although signs of CLL may disappear for a while after initial treatment, many people require additional treatment due to the return of cancerous cells.9
RADIATION
CHEMOTHERAPY
BONE MARROW OR STEM CELL TRANSPLANT
MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES
OTHER TARGETED AGENTS
HEM/062316/0011
