Chronic lymphocytic leukemia and related chronic leukemias

Abstract

The treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and related chronic leukemias remains palliative, although long-term survival has been achieved for the subset of patients with hairy cell leukemia. Despite this, the past decade has seen tremendous advancements in the understanding and treatment of these diseases, with the advent of purine analogues, such as fludarabine and monoclonal antibodies, such as rituximab and alemtuzumab. This chapter focuses on recent developments in identifying prognostic factors in CLL, as well as advances in the treatment of these diseases. Particular emphasis is given to the expanding role of monoclonal antibody therapies in these diseases © 2006 Springer Science+Business Media, Inc.