Vol 1, No 3 (2005)
Review paper
Published online: 2005-09-17
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia treatment based on the results of recent clinical trials
Onkol. Prak. Klin 2005;1(3):141-150.
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia is characterized by accumulation of mature, resting lymphocytes with low
mitotic index. Therapeutic strategies employed in chronic lymphocytic leukemia depend on stage of the
disease and its tendency to progression. Patients with stable disease are often observed only for many
years without treatment.
Chemotherapeutic armamentarium consists of alkylating agents, purine nucleoside analogs and monoclonal antibodies against CD20 antigen (rituximab) and against CD52 (alemtuzumab). Randomized trials have shown higher response rates including complete response rates and prolongation of disease free survival in case of purine nucleoside analogs as compared with alkylating agents. Monoclonal antibodies especially alemtuzumab are highly active in relapsed or refractory to standard treatment cases. Combination of rituximab with PNA enhances its efficacy.
Chemotherapeutic armamentarium consists of alkylating agents, purine nucleoside analogs and monoclonal antibodies against CD20 antigen (rituximab) and against CD52 (alemtuzumab). Randomized trials have shown higher response rates including complete response rates and prolongation of disease free survival in case of purine nucleoside analogs as compared with alkylating agents. Monoclonal antibodies especially alemtuzumab are highly active in relapsed or refractory to standard treatment cases. Combination of rituximab with PNA enhances its efficacy.
Keywords: chronic lymphocytic leukemiaalkylating agentspurine nucleoside analogsmonoclonal antibodies