Vol 2, No 3 (2011)
Review paper
Published online: 2011-10-18
Optimizing first-line treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Hematologia 2011;2(3):233-245.
Abstract
The choice of treatment options currently used in the first-line therapy of patients with chronic
lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is extensive and includes alkylating agents, bendamustine, purine
analogs in monotherapy or in combination therapies, immunotherapy and immunochemotherapy
with monoclonal antibodies. Choosing the right scheme requires an individual approach to
each patient, taking into account both the therapeutic benefit as well as the risk of side effects,
especially considering the fact that most patients with CLL are in advanced age. In determining
the optimal therapeutic intervention one should take into account the age and general
condition of the patient, comorbidities, and prognostic factors. This paper presents therapeutic
approaches currently used in clinical practice in the first-line treatment of patients with CLL
and factors to be taken into account in the eligibility of patients for specific therapies.
Hematologia 2011; 2, 3: 233–245
Hematologia 2011; 2, 3: 233–245
Keywords: chronic lymphocytic leukemiafirst-line therapy