Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, also known as Chronic lymphoblastic leukaemia is a common type of cancer affecting the blood and bone marrow (the soft, porous connective tissue within the bones where blood cells are synthesized). The term ‘Chronic’ in the name of the condition signifies a type of blood cancer that grows or spreads more slowly within the body than other forms of blood cancer.
chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Also Read: Acute Lymphocytic Leukaemia: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

This type of cancer is commonly noticed in older people above the age of 65. Although there isn’t any absolute cure for Chronic lymphoblastic leukaemia, with routine treatments to control the symptoms, doctors can put CLL into remission (which means you don’t have symptoms and signs of CLL.) These treatments usually increase the survival rate and help a person suffering from CLL to live longer. 

Also Read: Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

Types 

White blood cells usually originate in two types: B-cells and T-cells and CLL can happen in either or both.

B lymphocytes (B-cells): B-cells make antibodies which are chiefly proteins that target viruses, bacteria and cancer cells, among other foreign intruders

T lymphocytes (T-cells): T-cells mainly control the body’s immune system response by directly attacking and destroying the abnormal cells, comprising malignant cells

Causes

There isn’t any scientific data regarding the exact cause of this type of blood cancer, but some studies illustrate that Chronic lymphoblastic leukaemia may arise when there is a mutation or certain change in the DNA of the bone marrow cells. This sudden genomic alteration in the bone marrow cells causes them to produce immature and abnormal lymphocytes that gradually transform into leukemic white blood cells termed myeloblasts. These irregular WBCs do not work as the normal ones do, and they mainly grow abnormally in shape and size, without dying on time and amassing to form tumorous structures.

Risk Factors

Certain causative factors that increase the chances of developing Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia include:

Age: Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia is more commonly diagnosed in people belonging to the age group of 65 years or older

Gender: This type of blood cancer is more commonly detected in men than in women 

Blood Disorders: People suffering from other blood disorders in the past like polycythemia vera myelodysplasia, myelofibrosis, or thrombocythemia are prone to developing Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia 

Genetic Factors: Some hereditary disorders, like Down’s syndrome, Trisomy 8, Neurofibromatosis type 1, or Li-Fraumeni syndrome aggravates the risk of Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

Previous Cancer Therapy: People who were subjected to certain types of cancer therapy like chemotherapy or radiation therapy or who've had a history of any cancerous condition are at an increased risk of developing Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

Chemicals: Getting in close vicinity to certain harmful chemicals, like pesticides, benzene, detergents, or paint strippers, may increase the incidence of a person developing Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

Radiation: Being exposed to high levels of radiation can increase the risk of CLL

Smoking: Chain smoking or high levels of tobacco addiction in any form can increase the chances of getting detected with Chronic lymphocytic Leukemia

Symptoms

Although there aren’t any initial indications of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia in the beginning, the characteristic manifestations that do develop as the condition progresses include:

    • Bone pain
    • Frequent bruising
    • Swollen and inflamed lymph nodes
    • Sudden high fever
    • Recurrent infections
    • Sudden unexplained weight loss
    • Loss of appetite
    • Swollen spleen and liver
    • Upper abdominal pain
    • General debility
    • Fatigue

Complications

If the condition is not treated on time, it can result in the following complications:

  • Lymphoma
  • Cancerous conditions like Skin cancer, lung cancer or colon cancer
  • Anaemia
  • Autoimmune diseases like autoimmune hemolytic anaemia
  • Thrombocytopenia
  • Frequent infections

Diagnosis And Treatment

If you notice any of the above-mentioned indications, do speak with an oncologist at the earliest without further delay. The doctor usually conducts a thorough physical check-up, acknowledges the patient's medical history and proceeds with the following diagnostics:

  • Complete blood count 
  • Bone Marrow Test
  • Peripheral blood smear
  • Flow cytometry
  • Genetic tests
  • Imaging tests like CT-scan, MRI-scan, X-rays, and Ultrasounds

Treatment

The treatment plan for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia usually depends on the size, location and particular stage of the tumour and the physical condition of the patient. The available treatment plan to prevent remission includes:

  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiation therapy
  • Targeted therapy
  • Drug therapy
  • Bone marrow transplant
  • Clinical trials
  • Supportive care