Current guidelines in defining therapeutic strategies

The past three decades have brought major changes in the approach toward chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). This disease was considered a simple form of leukemia for which the only goal of treatment was control of the leukocytosis and of the symptoms related to disease expansion. Many biologic discoveries have increased our understanding of the disease process. New prognostic markers have been identified and are being incorporated into clinical practice. Now, CLL is considered a complex and challenging leukemia for which multiple treatment options are emerging, from chemotherapy to monoclonal antibodies, from vaccines to immunomodulatory strategies. The evaluation of treatment results also has been revolutionized: clones carrying genetic aberrations are monitored, and patients who have had a response are assessed for the presence of minimal residual disease.