Treating the elderly patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia: current and emerging options

Abstract

Management of cancer in the elderly is an increasingly common problem. The risk of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) increases significantly after the age of 65 years. One of the most important prognostic factors in the elderly is the burden of comorbidity. Severe and multiple comorbidities significantly decrease survival in patients with CLL. Therefore, not only age but also the incidence and severity of comorbidity should influence the treatment strategy for patients at an individual level. This review attempts to identify the best management strategies for elderly patients with CLL based on individual functional reserve and estimation of individual life expectancy. © 2014 Mozaheb.