Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is a type of cancer that starts from cells that become certain white blood cells (called lymphocytes) in the bone marrow. The cancer (leukemia) cells start in the bone marrow but then go into the blood.
In CLL, the leukemia cells often build up slowly. Many people don’t have any symptoms for at least a few years. In time, the cells can spread to other parts of the body, including the lymph nodes, liver, and spleen.
As the number of leukemia cells increases in the blood and bone marrow, there is less room for healthy white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. This can lead to infection, anemia, and easy bleeding.
Causes of Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is a type of cancer that starts from cells that become certain white blood cells (called lymphocytes) in the bone marrow. The cancer (leukaemia) cells start in the bone marrow but then go into the blood.
The exact cause of CLL is not fully understood, but there are several factors that have been associated with an increased risk of developing this condition:
1. Age: CLL is more common in older people, and the risk increases significantly after the age of 60. It is rarely seen in people under the age of 40.
2. Gender: Men are more likely to develop CLL than women.
3. Family history: Having a close relative with CLL or other blood and bone marrow cancers can increase the risk slightly.
4. Immune system disorders: Conditions that affect the immune system, like HIV/AIDS or rheumatoid arthritis, can also increase the risk of CLL.
5. Exposure to chemicals or radiation: People who have been exposed to certain kinds of chemicals, like herbicides and insecticides, or to large amounts of radiation, have a higher risk of developing CLL.
6. Ethnic Background: CLL is more common in North America and northern Europe, and is less common in Asian countries. It is also more common in people of Jewish descent.
However, many people with CLL have no known risk factors, and many people who have risk factors do not develop the disease. It is important to note that CLL is not a contagious disease and cannot be passed from person to person.
Risk Factors of Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is a type of cancer that starts from white blood cells (lymphocytes) in the bone marrow. It then invades the blood. Over time, the cancer cells can move to other parts of the body including the lymph nodes, liver, and spleen. Below are certain risk factors associated with CLL:
1. Age: CLL is more common in older adults, with the majority of people diagnosed being over the age of 60.
2. Gender: Men are slightly more likely to develop CLL than women.
3. Family History: Individuals with a family history of CLL or other blood and bone marrow cancers are at an increased risk. However, it’s worth noting that most people with CLL don’t have a family history of the disease.
4. Race/Ethnicity: CLL is more common in North America and northern Europe and in white populations.
5. Exposure to Certain Chemicals: Some studies have suggested a link between CLL and exposure to certain chemicals, such as those used in agriculture (like herbicides and insecticides) and benzene, a chemical used in rubber, paint, plastics, synthetic fibers, and dyes.
6. Genetic Factors: Certain genetic mutations or abnormally functioning genes may increase the risk of developing CLL.
7. Immune System Abnormalities: Certain disorders or diseases that weaken the immune system, such as HIV/AIDS or conditions requiring immunosuppressive therapy, may increase the risk.
8. Prior Treatment: People who have previously been treated for other types of cancer with chemotherapy or radiation may have a slightly increased risk of developing CLL.
It’s important to remember that having one or more risk factors doesn’t mean that you will get the disease. Many people who get the disease may have few or no known risk factors.
Signs and Symptoms of Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is a type of cancer that starts from cells that become certain white blood cells (called lymphocytes) in the bone marrow. The cancer (leukemia) cells start in the bone marrow but then go into the blood.
Here are some of the signs and symptoms of CLL, although some people might not have any symptoms at the beginning and CLL may only be detected through blood tests:
1. Fatigue and tiredness: Due to anemia caused by a shortage of red blood cells.
2. Frequent infections: The abnormal white cells of CLL do not fight infections as effectively as they should, hence the frequency of infections increase.
3. Weight loss: This can be without trying or without a change in diet or exercise routine.
4. Fever without known cause: This can rise due to the body’s reaction to a perceived internal threat, such as cancer.
5. Night sweats: The body may sweat excessively in an attempt to fight off the disease.
6. Enlarged lymph nodes: CLL often causes enlargement of the lymph nodes. This is due to the abundance of leukemia cells, and these enlarged nodes often are noticed on the sides of the neck, in the armpits, or in the groin.
7. Pain or fullness in the stomach: The spleen or liver might also get larger because they are holding extra leukemia cells.
8. Shortness of breath: This can result due to anemia or a large spleen pressing against the lung.
These symptoms can also be caused by conditions other than CLL. However, if you are experiencing any or a combination of these symptoms, it’s important to discuss them with your doctor so the cause can be found and treated, if needed.
Diagnosis Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL) is a type of cancer in which the bone marrow makes too many lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell). CLL often progresses slowly over many years and hence the term ‘Chronic.’
In CLL, the lymphocytes usually look normal, but they’re not. They could harm the immune system since they can’t effectively fight infection. Over time, these abnormal cells can overcrowd the normal cells in the bone marrow and blood, making it hard for the body to produce healthy blood cells.
Common symptoms may include fatigue, weight loss, frequent infections, swollen lymph nodes, and a feeling of fullness in your stomach, due to an enlarged spleen. However, people with early stage CLL may not notice any symptoms.
The exact cause of CLL isn’t known. Age and a family history of CLL or other blood and bone marrow cancers could increase your risk. Exposure to certain chemicals, like herbicides and pesticides, may also increase the risk.
Diagnosing CLL usually involves blood tests, physical examination, and possibly bone marrow biopsy. The treatment of CLL can vary significantly and depends on several factors, such as the stage of the disease, the age of the patient, as well as their general health. Treatment options include watchful waiting, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and, in rare cases, stem cell transplantation.
Treatment of Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL) is a type of cancer that starts in cells that become certain white blood cells (called lymphocytes) in the bone marrow.
The treatment for CLL often depends on the stage of the disease or the speed of progression. Here are some treatment options:
1. Watchful Waiting: If the leukaemia is slow-growing and the patient doesn’t have any symptoms, the doctor may decide to monitor the patient closely instead of starting treatment right away.
2. Chemotherapy: This is the main treatment for CLL. The drugs used may include fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and others. Chemotherapy drugs can be given orally or directly into the bloodstream.
3. Targeted Therapy: This kind of treatment uses drugs or other substances to identify and attack specific cancer cells without harming normal cells. They can interfere with the ability of cancer cells to grow and spread. Drugs such as ibrutinib, idelalisib, venetoclax are examples of targeted therapy.
4. Immunotherapy: This treatment uses the patient’s immune system to fight cancer. Monoclonal antibodies are immunotherapy drugs used in the treatment of CLL. Rituximab and obinutuzumab are examples of such drugs.
5. Radiation Therapy: Uses high energy beams to reduce the size of enlarged lymph nodes when the disease has localized there.
6. Stem Cell Transplant: In some cases, especially when the disease is resistant to treatment or recurrent, stem cell (or bone marrow) transplantation might be considered.
Patients may require supportive treatments such as blood transfusions, antibiotics for infections resulting from a compromised immune system, and medications to manage symptoms.
Please remember to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any treatment, as individual health conditions need to be considered.
Medications commonly used for Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is a type of cancer that starts from cells that become certain white blood cells in the bone marrow. The cells grow and spread to the lymph nodes and other organs, causing a variety of symptoms.
Several medications are commonly used in treating CLL, such as:
1. Chemoimmunotherapy: This is often the first-line treatment for CLL. It combines chemotherapy drugs with immunotherapy (ertuximab, obinutuzumab or ofatumumab) to kill cancer cells and stimulate the body’s immune system to respond more effectively to the disease.
2. Ibrutinib (Imbruvica): It’s a type of targeted drug known as a Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor. It blocks a certain protein that CLL cells need to grow and multiply.
3. Venetoclax (Venclexta): This is a BCL-2 inhibitor. It targets and blocks the BCL-2 protein in cancer cells, which can help kill and reduce the number of these cells.
4. Acalabrutinib (Calquence): Another BTK inhibitor, it works similarly to ibrutinib and helps block proteins that promote CLL cell survival and multiplication.
5. Idelalisib (Zydelig): It’s a phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor, which helps limit the growth and spread of CLL cells.
6. Duvelisib (Copiktra): An oral inhibitor that targets PI3K-delta and PI3K-gamma, two enzymes known to support the growth and survival of malignant B cells.
7. Rituximab: An antibody that targets the CD20 protein on B cells, leading to B cell destruction.
8. Alemtuzumab: This monoclonal antibody targets the CD52 antigen that is present on B cells, triggering its destruction.
The selection of these medications, as well as the frequency and duration of treatment, may vary according to the stage of CLL, overall health status of the patient, and the presence of any specific genetic changes within the CLL cells. These aspects would be thoroughly evaluated and discussed with the patient by the treating physician.
Note: This list is not exhaustive and there are several other potential treatments available for CLL, including but not limited to therapeutic vaccines, adoptive cell therapy, and clinical trials. Always consult with your healthcare provider for the most appropriate treatment options.
Prevention of Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL) is a type of cancer that starts from cells that become certain white blood cells (called lymphocytes) in the bone marrow.
As with many types of cancer, there is no sure way to prevent CLL. This is because there are many different factors involved, and in many cases, the cause may not be completely understood or preventable. Some of these risk factors such as age, sex, and family history cannot be controlled.
However, there are a few preventative measures you could take to potentially reduce the risk, although the link between these and CLL is not always clear:
1. Healthy Lifestyle: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight can help boost the immune system and overall health, thereby possibly reducing your cancer risk.
2. Smoking: Smoking is thought to be a risk factor for CLL, so avoiding cigarettes could potentially lower your risk.
3. Pesticides and Chemicals: Some studies have suggested that certain jobs involving exposure to certain chemicals and pesticides might increase the risk of CLL. Therefore, using personal protective equipment and following safety protocols to reduce exposure might lower risk.
4. Regular Check-ups: Regular medical check-ups can help detect abnormalities or health conditions early, thereby increasing the chances of treating them before they become serious.
5. Genetic Counseling: If you have a strong family history of CLL or other blood cancers, you might want to consider genetic counseling to understand your risk.
However, it’s important to remember that while these steps may reduce the risk, they are not guaranteed to prevent CLL, because not all cause-and-effect relations are understood fully at this point. Always consult with healthcare professionals or a medical practitioner for personalized advice.
FAQ’s about Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
1. What is chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL)?
CLL is a type of cancer that begins in the white blood cells (lymphocytes) that are found in the bone marrow and blood. In CLL, the cells become abnormal and don’t die when they should, causing a build-up of abnormal lymphocytes that can overcrowd healthy cells and cause medical complications.
2. What are the symptoms of CLL?
Some people with CLL might not experience any symptoms initially. However, as the disease progresses, symptoms can include swollen lymph nodes, chronic fatigue, weight loss, frequent infections, fever, pain or fullness in the upper abdomen, easy bruising or bleeding, and night sweats.
3. How is CLL diagnosed?
CLL is typically diagnosed through a blood test, as the disease often leads to a high number of lymphocytes in the blood. Other diagnostic methods may include physical examination, bone marrow tests, imaging tests, and lab tests for genetic anomalies.
4. What are the stages of CLL?
CLL stages are based on the amount of disease found in the body. The stages range from zero to four, where zero indicates the least amount of disease and four indicates the most. Staging is important as it helps doctors determine the best course of treatment.
5. What are the treatments for CLL?
The type of treatment depends largely on the stage of the disease and the patient’s overall health. Treatments can include watchful waiting (for early stages or slow-progressing CLL), chemotherapy, targeted drug therapy, immunotherapy, or stem cell transplant.
6. Is CLL curable?
While CLL is currently not considered curable, it is often manageable with treatment. Many people with CLL live for many years with the disease, and treatment can often help control symptoms and slow disease progression.
7. What is the prognosis for someone with CLL?
The prognosis for someone with CLL can vary widely depending on several factors, including their age, overall health, the stage of the disease and the specific genetic characteristics of their cancer. It’s best to discuss this with the treating doctor.
8. Can lifestyle changes affect CLL?
While lifestyle changes cannot cure CLL, having a balanced and nutritious diet, regular exercise, ample rest, and avoiding risk factors (like smoking) can improve overall health and help tolerate treatment better.
9. Is CLL hereditary?
While most cases of CLL are not considered hereditary, having a first-degree relative (parent, sibling) with CLL may slightly increase your risk. However, most people with CLL don’t have a family history of the disease.
10. How common is CLL?
CLL is the most common type of leukemia in adults. It often occurs in older people and is rare in children. According to the American Cancer Society, most people diagnosed with CLL are over the age of 50.
It’s important to remember that this FAQ provides general information, and any specific questions about CLL should be addressed by a healthcare professional.
Useful links
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a type of cancer in which the bone marrow makes too many lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. Symptoms may include exhaustion, shortness of breath, anemia, bruising, enlarged lymph nodes, and infections. CLL is generally a slow progressing disease and is most common among adults over the age of 60. It’s often diagnosed incidentally during routine blood tests.
Here are some useful journal links related to Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia:
Please note that not all articles might be freely available; some might require a subscription to the journal. If you are affiliated with a university or a medical institution, you might be able to access these resources through your library.
Complications of Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is a slow-progressing form of blood and bone marrow cancer. It involves the overproduction of certain kinds of white blood cells in the bone marrow. Over time, these cancer cells can interfere with the body’s production of healthy blood cells.
Here are several complications that can arise from CLL:
1. Frequent Infections: As CLL progresses, your body might not be able to fight off infections efficiently due to a decrease in healthy white blood cells. People with CLL may experience frequent infections.
2. Increased Risk of Other Cancers: People with CLL have an increased risk of developing other forms of cancer, including lung cancer, skin cancer, and other types of leukemia.
3. Immune System Complications: Autoimmune complications, where the body mistakenly attacks its own cells, can occur in CLL. These may manifest as red cell aplasia, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, or thrombocytopenia.
4. Swollen Lymph Nodes: CLL can cause swelling in the lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, stomach, or groin.
5. Hypogammaglobulinemia: This is a condition characterized by lower levels of antibodies in the blood, leading to an increased risk of infection.
6. Transformation to a More Aggressive Cancer: In some cases, CLL may transform into a more aggressive form of cancer, such as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma or Hodgkin’s lymphoma. This is known as Richter’s transformation and occurs in about 5-10% of CLL patients.
7. Other Systemic Symptoms: Advanced CLL can cause severe fatigue, unintended weight loss, fever, sweats, and frequent infections.
Remember that CLL differs significantly among individuals, and not everyone will experience these complications or symptoms. The more promptly diagnosed and the better managed the illness, the less likely severe complications are likely to occur. Always consult with medical professionals for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Home remedies of Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) is a type of cancer that affects the white blood cells and generally advances slowly. It is typically recommended to visit a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment options. However, while there are no home remedies that can cure CLL, certain lifestyle changes and home care measures can serve as effective adjunct therapies. These include:
1. Balanced Diet: Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and low-fat dairy can help provide the nutrients needed to strengthen your immune system and body.
2. Hydration: Drinking plenty of water, which helps your body function better and reduces fatigue.
3. Exercise: Regular physical activity may boost your mood, reduce fatigue, and help maintain muscle mass.
4. Stress Management: Techniques such as meditation, yoga, and mindfulness can help relieve stress and improve your overall mental well-being.
5. Adequate Rest: Make sure you are getting a good night’s sleep. This is when your body performs many important functions.
6. No Smoking: Smoking can compromise your immune system. If you are a smoker, quitting will significantly improve your overall health.
7. Limit Alcohol: Alcohol can also interfere with your immune system, so it’s advisable to limit intake or avoid it completely.
Remember, these tips are not cures but can help manage symptoms or side effects of treatment, and improve quality of life. Always consult with a healthcare professional for the most effective treatment options.
