Molecular basis of pathogenesis, prognosis and therapy in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.
B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is caused by the abnormal accumulation of non-functional B-cells in peripheral blood and bone marrow. However, the precise aetiology and mechanism of the disease are unclear. Recently, progress has been made in the identification of both the genetic deficiencies and environmental factors that may underlie CLL. This has provided some clues to the nature of the disease, but no definitive cures. Although treatment has increased remission time, at present the disease is not curable by conventional therapy. Further studies of the pathogenesis of CLL are needed, as are the development of suitable cell lines and animal models in which to study it. This review summarises the most recent progress in CLL with emphasis on molecular events and possible implications in therapy.
Diamantina Institute for Cancer, Immunology and Metabolic Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. j.chen4@uq.edu.au
Jiezhong
J
Chen
Nigel A J
NA
McMillan
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000912:Antibodies, Neoplasm / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018906:Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis; D002869:Chromosome Aberrations; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D006801:Humans; D007143:Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains / Q000235:genetics; D015451:Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000628:therapy; D008954:Models, Biological; D011379:Prognosis; D012074:Remission Induction
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000912:Antibodies, Neoplasm; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D018906:Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D007143:Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains