Global Burden of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia From 1990 to 2021

Abstract

Background: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) poses a growing challenge to public health. Tracking temporal trends in the burden of CLL provides critical evidence for guiding health strategies. Methods: Using Global Burden of Disease 2021 data, we analyzed incidence, prevalence, deaths, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and the corresponding age-standardized rates (ASR), percentage changes, and estimated annual percentage changes (EAPC) for CLL from 1990-2021. Das Gupta’s method was used to analyze the changes in CLL burden. The frontier analysis was employed to further investigate the relationship between CLL burden and social development. Results: Global CLL incidence, death, and DALYs burden have decreased, while prevalence increased. High social development index (SDI) regions remained associated with a heavier burden but showed a downward trend, while other SDI regions showed a certain upward trend. The prevalence of CLL in East Asia increased significantly. The incidence and mortality rates of male were still higher than those of female. Smoking, high body mass index, and occupational exposure to benzene or formaldehyde remained key risk factors. Conclusion: The global burden of CLL has decreased, but significant regional differences remain.