Diagnosing and treating chronic lymphocytic leukemia in 2009.
Over the past decade, major breakthroughs have been made in both the molecular understanding and the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). In this article, old and new concepts of CLL biology are explored and insights into the relevance of the newer prognostic factors are discussed. The therapeutic landscape has changed dramatically with the advent of purine analogs, monoclonal antibodies, and combination therapy. As opposed to older agents, these new therapies commonly yield complete remissions. This improvement has spurred a debate as to new goals in treating CLL patients.
Kaufman
Matthew
M
Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, New Hyde Park, New York, USA. mkaufman@nshs.edu
Rubin
Jason
J
Rai
Kanti
K
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018906:Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D006801:Humans; D007167:Immunotherapy; D015451:Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000628:therapy*; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D018365:Neoplasm, Residual; D016019:Survival Analysis
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D018906:Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor