The 21st century revolution in CLL: Why this matters to patients

The 21st century has seen rapid, positive changes in the management of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia from the patient's perspective. New prognostic and predictive markers have ushered in the start of more precise and individualized therapy. For the first time, combined therapy [fludarabine, cyclophosphamide and rituximab] has been shown to prolong life significantly. Clinical trials have become more adaptive, faster and more patient friendly. Perhaps the greatest change of all is the development of novel oral agents (ibrutinib and idelalisib) and powerful monoclonal antibodies that offer robust and durable disease control. Finally, access to and understanding of these changes through an empowered and educated patient population has grown through live education forums and the Internet.