what is cll treatment

Medication

When to Treat CLL/SLL. To determine if treatment is needed, patients should talk with their providers about symptoms they are experiencing, swollen lymph nodes, and blood cell counts, according to Dr. Locke J. Bryan, associate professor of medicine at the Medical College of Georgia and the hematology/oncology fellowship program director at the Georgia Cancer Center at Augusta University.

Procedures

Examples include:

• pureed and strained soups containing lots of vegetables and beans
• minced chicken or fish in a sauce
• milkshakes or smoothies made with low-fat dairy, tofu, soy milk, or yogurt
• brown rice
• omelets or egg scrambles
• pureed fruits like apple sauce or mashed bananas
• oatmeal with stewed fruits

Therapy

When to Treat CLL/SLL To determine if treatment is needed, patients should talk with their providers about symptoms they are experiencing, swollen lymph nodes, and blood cell counts, according to Dr. Locke J. Bryan, associate professor of medicine at the Medical College of Georgia and the hematology/oncology fellowship program director at the ...

Nutrition

There are no natural cures for Cll that have been proven by any generally accepted scientific proof. There are no trained and respected Cll specialists within the Cll community who believe in natural cures. Anytime anyone ever links to a supposed natural cure claim, it typically takes about 5 minutes of internet research to show the claim is ...

When should CLL be treated?

How to cure CLL naturally?

When to treat CLL?

Is there a natural cure for my CLL?

At what point does CLL require treatment?

Patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (chronic lymphoid leukemia, CLL) do not need drug therapy until they become symptomatic or display evidence of rapid progression of disease, as characterized by the following: Weight loss of more than 10% over 6 months.

Is CLL leukemia curable?

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) can rarely be cured. Still, most people live with the disease for many years. Some people with CLL can live for years without treatment, but over time, most will need to be treated. Most people with CLL are treated on and off for years.

Is CLL a good cancer?

In science and medicine, information is constantly changing and may become out-of-date as new data emerge. CLL is too often still called the “good cancer” and all of us CLL patients rightfully hate that. No cancer is good. But perhaps the problem is more with the word cancer than the word good.

What is the life expectancy of a patient with CLL?

The prognosis of patients with CLL varies widely at diagnosis. Some patients die rapidly, within 2-3 years of diagnosis, because of complications from CLL. Most patients live 5-10 years, with an initial course that is relatively benign but followed by a terminal, progressive, and resistant phase lasting 1-2 years.

Is CLL a serious condition?

If you have chronic lymphocytic leukemia, you may experience frequent infections that can be serious. Sometimes infections happen because your blood doesn't have enough germ-fighting antibodies (immunoglobulins). Your doctor might recommend regular immunoglobulin infusions. A switch to a more aggressive form of cancer.

Is CLL high risk for Covid?

At this time, there is no evidence indicating a disproportionately higher incidence of severe COVID-19 in patients with CLL compared to patients with other malignancies. However, two large multicenter studies have shown a high mortality rate in patients with CLL and severe COVID-19 in the range of ~ 30%.

What should be avoided in CLL?

Your CLL treatment may weaken your immune system and raise your chances of getting foodborne illness. These steps can help keep you safe: Cook meat until it's well-done and eggs until the yolks are hard. Avoid raw sprouts, salad bars, and unpasteurized drinks and cheeses.

What is the newest treatment for CLL?

In May 2019, the FDA approved venetoclax (Venclexta) in combination with obinutuzumab (Gazyva) to treat people with previously untreated CLL as a chemotherapy-free option. In April 2020, the FDA approved a combination therapy of rituximab (Rituxan) and ibrutinib (Imbruvica) for adult patients with chronic CLL.

What are the four stages of CLL?

What are the stages of CLL?Stage 0. The blood has too many white blood cells called lymphocytes. This is called lymphocytosis. ... Stage I. The blood has too many lymphocytes. ... Stage II. The blood has too many lymphocytes. ... Stage III. The blood has too many lymphocytes. ... Stage IV. The blood has too many lymphocytes.

Can you live 50 years with CLL?

People can live with CLL for many years after diagnosis, and some can live for years without the need for treatment.

How do you get CLL?

The exact cause of chronic lymphocytic leukemia is not known. Multiple genetic mutations occur in the DNA of blood-producing cells. These mutations cause the blood cells to produce abnormal lymphocytes, which are not effective at fighting infection. Usually, an abnormal chromosome is present in a patient with CLL.

How does CLL cause death?

Infection causes death patients with CLL largely due to the dysregulation and deficiency of their immune system by the disease or by treatment. For example, defective T-cells and B-cells can increase the chances of infection, and immunosuppressive therapies can make patients more susceptible to infectious diseases.

What is the first treatment for CLL?

Initial treatment of CLL. Many different drugs and drug combinations can be used as the first treatment for CLL. The options include monoclonal antibodies, other targeted drugs, chemotherapy, and different combinations of these. Some of the more commonly used drug treatments include: Other drugs or combinations of drugs may also be used.

What is the most serious type of CLL?

One of the most serious complications of CLL is a change (transformation) of the leukemia to a high-grade or aggressive type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) called diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) or to Hodgkin lymphoma. This happens in 2% to 10% of CLL cases, and is known as Richter's transformation. Treatment is often the same as it would be ...

How long does it take for chemo to lower blood count?

Chemo may not lower the number of cells until a few days after the first dose, so before the chemo is given, some of the cells may need to be removed from the blood with a procedure called leukapheresis. This treatment lowers blood counts right away.

What is the rarest complication of CLL?

If this happens, treatment is likely to be similar to that used for patients with ALL. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is another rare complication in patients who have been treated for CLL.

What happens if the first line of treatment is not working?

If the initial treatment is no longer working or the disease comes back, another type of treatment often helps . If the initial response to the treatment lasted a long time (usually at least a few years), the same treatment might be used again. If the initial response wasn't long-lasting, using the same treatment isn't as likely to be helpful. The options will depend on what the first-line treatment was and how well it worked, as well as the person's overall health.

What is the best treatment for enlarged spleen?

Radiation or surgery. If the only problem is an enlarged spleen or swollen lymph nodes in one part of the body, localized treatment with low-dose radiation therapy may be used. Splenectomy (surgery to remove the spleen) is another option if the enlarged spleen is causing symptoms.

What is the FCR for Venetoclax?

Bendamustine and rituximab (or another monoclonal antibody) High-dose prednisone and rituximab. FCR: fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab. PCR: pentostatin, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab. Chlorambucil and rituximab (or another monoclonal antibody) Obinutuzumab.

Why is it important to take time to think about CLL?

Common treatment approaches. It's important to take time and think about your choices. Because CLL often grows slowly, not everyone needs to be treated right away. In choosing a treatment plan, the stage of the leukemia and other prognostic factors are important.

What to do if you have chronic lymphocytic leukemia?

It’s important that you think carefully about each of your choices. Weigh the benefits of each treatment option against the possible risks and side effects.

Why is it important to discuss treatment options with your doctor?

Making treatment decisions. It’s important to discuss all of your treatment options, including their goals and possible side effects, with your doctors to help make the decision that best fits your needs. It’s also very important to ask questions if there's anything you’re not sure about.

What is complementary medicine?

Complementary methods refer to treatments that are used along with your regular medical care. Alternative treatments are used instead of a doctor’s medical treatment.

What kind of doctor treats blood disorders?

These doctors could include: A hematologist: a doctor who treats blood disorders. You might have many other specialists on your treatment team as well, including physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, nutrition specialists, social workers, and other health professionals.

Can you continue cancer treatment?

Whether or not you continue treatment, there are still things you can do to help maintain or improve your quality of life.

Is treatment information given here official policy of the American Cancer Society?

The treatment information given here is not official policy of the American Cancer Society and is not intended as medical advice to replace the expertise and judgment of your cancer care team. It is intended to help you and your family make informed decisions, together with your doctor.

How to cope with chronic lymphocytic leukemia?

Explore ways to cope with the nagging, chronic nature of the disease. If you have chronic lymphocytic leukemia, you'll likely face ongoing tests and ongoing worries about your white blood cell count. Try to find some activities that help you relax, whether it's yoga, exercise or gardening.

What test is used to diagnose chronic lymphocytic leukemia?

Blood tests . Tests and procedures used to diagnose chronic lymphocytic leukemia include blood tests designed to: Count the number of cells in a blood sample. A complete blood count may be used to count the number of lymphocytes in a blood sample. A high number of B cells, one type of lymphocyte, may indicate chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

What kind of doctor would you see for lymphocytic leukemia?

If your doctor determines you may have chronic lymphocytic leukemia, you may be referred to a doctor who specializes in diseases of the blood and bone marrow (hematologist). Because appointments can be brief, and because there's often a lot of ground to cover, it's a good idea to be well-prepared.

What test is used to determine if a person has an increased number of lymphocytes?

Determine the type of lymphocytes involved. A test called flow cytometry or immunophenotyping helps determine whether an increased number of lymphocytes is due to chronic lymphocytic leukemia, a different blood disorder or your body's reaction to another process, such as infection.

What is targeted drug?

Targeted drugs are designed to take advantage of the specific vulnerabilities of your cancer cells. Your cancer cells are tested to determine which targeted drugs may be helpful. Immunotherapy. Immunotherapy is a treatment that uses your body's immune system to fight cancer.

Does green tea help with leukemia?

A green tea extract has shown some promise in initial clinical trials for treating chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Laboratory research determined that a compound in green tea extract, called EGCG, can kill chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells. A study of people with early-stage chronic lymphocytic leukemia found that EGCG in pill form reduced some signs of the disease. But green tea trials haven't been conclusive, and this subject requires more study before doctors can agree on the merits of this treatment.

Can bone marrow transplants help with leukemia?

As new and more-effective drug combinations have been developed, bone marrow transplant has become less common in treating chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy helps strengthen the immune system against leukemia. Typically, doctors administer this medication through an IV.

Chemoimmunotherapy

Chemoimmunotherapy involves using both chemotherapy and immunotherapy to treat CLL. Doctors rarely recommend chemotherapy on its own to treat CLL, but combined with immunotherapy, it can be an effective treatment.

Targeted therapy

Targeted therapy works by only targeting the cancer cells, meaning it causes less damage to healthy cells than treatment methods such as chemoimmunotherapy.

Radiation

Radiation therapy uses high powered X-rays to help kill cancer cells and stop them from spreading. It can help reduce pain associated with swollen lymph nodes and the spleen.

Stem cell transplants

In stem cell transplants, a donor provides healthy bone marrow that will help produce healthy cells. Alternatively, doctors may remove and store stem cells from the same person undergoing treatment. The stem cells can then help to destroy the cancerous cells and help the body recover from aggressive treatment.

Clinical trials of new treatments

Clinical trials are research studies that look at the effectiveness of new medications or treatments in treating conditions, such as CLL.

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy

CAR T cell therapy is a treatment technique used in other blood cancers. It is going through clinical trials to see if it could be effective for CLL.

What is the best treatment for CLL?

One of the most promising future treatment options for CLL is CAR T-cell therapy. CAR T, which stands for chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy, uses a person’s own immune system cells to fight cancer.

What is CLL in medical terms?

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a slow-growing cancer of the immune system. Because it’s slow-growing, many people with CLL won’t need to start treatment for many years after their diagnosis.

Why are targeted therapies called targeted therapies?

These drugs are called targeted therapies because they’re directed at specific proteins that help CLL cells grow. Examples of targeted drugs for CLL include:

What does it mean when you have a high risk CLL?

High-risk CLL describes patients with stage 3 or stage 4 cancer. This means you may have an enlarged spleen, liver, or lymph nodes. Low red blood cell counts are also common. In the highest stage, platelet counts will be low as well.

What is intermediate risk CLL?

Intermediate-risk CLL describes people with stage 1 to stage 2 CLL, according to the Rai system. People with stage 1 or 2 CLL have enlarged lymph nodes and potentially an enlarged spleen and liver, but close to normal red blood cell and platelet counts. High-risk CLL describes patients with stage 3 or stage 4 cancer.

What is low risk CLL?

Treatments for low-risk CLL. Doctors typically stage CLL using a system called the Rai system. Low-risk CLL describes people who fall in “stage 0” under the Rai system. In stage 0, the lymph nodes, spleen, and liver aren’t enlarged. Red blood cell and platelet counts are also near normal. If you have low-risk CLL, ...

Why do you need a stem cell transplant?

Stem cell and bone marrow transplants. Your doctor may recommend a stem cell transplant if your cancer doesn’t respond to other treatments. A stem cell transplant allows you to receive higher doses of chemotherapy to kill more cancer cells. Higher doses of chemotherapy can cause damage to your bone marrow.

What Is CLL?

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a cancer that affects a type of white blood cell called lymphocytes. When you have it, some blood stem cells in your body don't grow properly and the resulting lymphocytes can't fight infection very well.

How CLL Spreads

This type of leukemia starts in bone marrow -- the spongy tissue inside bones where blood cells are made. From there, it moves into your blood. Over time, the cancer cells can spread to other parts of your body like the liver, spleen, and lymph nodes.

How Serious Is It?

The Rai staging system is usually what doctors in the U.S. use. It describes CLL based on the results of blood tests and a physical exam when you're diagnosed. Everyone with CLL will have more lymphocytes in their bone marrow and blood than there should be, for no good reason. And a large number of them will have come from the same cell.

Stage 0

The number of red blood cells and platelets are almost normal. Your lymph nodes, spleen, and liver are fine. You're at low risk and probably don't need treatment now.

Stage I

This stage is intermediate risk. The difference is that your lymph nodes are enlarged. These are part of your immune system. They help fight infections as well as filtering out dead and damaged cells, and they swell when they're working hard.

Stage II

Your spleen or liver is larger than normal. Your lymph nodes might be swollen, too, but not necessarily. This is also an intermediate risk stage, and you'll start treatment if your doctor thinks your symptoms or lymphocyte count are serious.

Stage III

The number of other blood cells are affected. At stage III, you don't have enough red blood cells (a condition called anemia), although your platelet count is near normal. Your lymph nodes, spleen, or liver might be enlarged, but they don't have to be. This is an advanced, high-risk stage, and you'll need treatment.

What is the best treatment for CLL?

Steroids. Corticosteroids (“steroids”) curb inflammation and are used to treat many conditions. They may also be part of your CLL treatment and to help control side effects from chemo. Your doctor may prescribe one, such as prednisone, as part of your CLL treatment.

What are the two types of drugs that stop cancer cells from growing?

Targeted Therapies. These are drugs that stop cancer cells from growing. They include two types of drugs: monoclonal antibodies and kinase inhibitors. Monoclonal antibodies (MABs) mimic or boost the action of your own immune system. They attach to your cancer cells so your immune system can destroy them.

How does chemo work?

You get chemo in cycles that give the medicine time to work before your next dose. You may get chemo as tablets or by IV.

How long does it take for chemo to go away?

You can also get infections more easily. You can take medicine to help with some of these problems. Most of these side effects peak 3-5 days after you get chemo and go away after your treatment ends, though some last longer.

What is palliative care?

Palliative care aims to ease pain, stress, anxiety, depression, fatigue, and other stresses that may come with having cancer. What You Can Do. Cancer treatment is challenging.

How long does it take for tumor lysis to start?

Tumor lysis syndrome needs to be treated right away. Symptoms usually start 2 to 3 days after treatment. Call your doctor right away if you have severe vomiting and diarrhea, trouble peeing, feel dizzy, or have seizures. Kinase inhibitors target certain proteins in and on cancer cells that help them grow and spread.

Does curcumin kill CLL?

Since there’s no cure for CLL, so some people look to natural treatments. EGCG from green tea and curcumin from the herb turmeric show promise. In early lab tests, they kill CLL cells but don’t harm healthy ones. But it’s too soon to know if that’s true in people or what the right dose is.

Diagnosis

Treatment

Clinical Trials

Coping and Support

Preparing For Your Appointment