Leucocyte doubling time is a useful predictor of progression-free survival in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.
OBJECTIVE
To assess leucocyte doubling time (LDT) in relation to progression-free survival in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). In addition, to define the impact of a second LDT in both untreated and treated patients.


METHODS
Retrospective study of LDT in previously untreated patients with CLL.


METHODS
Sixty patients diagnosed over a 13-year period at a county hospital. In forty-five of the 60 patients, an LDT could be defined. These patients were included in the final analysis.


METHODS
LDT below and above 12 months, progression-free and overall survival.


RESULTS
Patients in Binet stages B and C had a median LDT of 4 months as compared to 26 months in stage A patients (P < 0.01). The projected progression-free survival at 3 years was 24% in patients with an LDT of < 12 months. The corresponding figure for the remaining patients was 68% (P < 0.01). The overall 5-year survival did not differ significantly between patients with an LDT below and above 12 months, respectively. In seven untreated patients, a second LDT could be calculated which was shorter than the first recorded LDT. A second LDT was also identified in five patients post treatment that was consistently shorter than their first LDT.


CONCLUSIONS
Measurement of LDT is a simple complement in predicting progression-free survival in patients with CLL. Thus, monitoring of LDT may add to the clinical evaluation and therapeutic decision making for the many elderly patients with this often indolent disease.
Division of Medicine, Karolinska Hospital and Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
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U
Axdorph
B I
BI
Nilsson
B R
BR
Nilsson
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M
Björkholm
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002455:Cell Division; D018450:Disease Progression; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015451:Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell / Q000473:pathology*; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000166:cytology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016019:Survival Analysis; D013997:Time Factors