Survival Outcomes in Patients With Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: A SEER Analysis
Shivani Modi1, Srinishant Rajarajan2, Hardik Jain2
1Jefferson Einstein Healthcare Network, East Norriton, PA.
Clinical Lymphoma, Myeloma & Leukemia
|August 31, 2025
Summary
Survival for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients significantly improved with new treatments. The modern targeted therapy era shows the most substantial gains in overall survival for CLL.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Oncology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common adult leukemia.
- CLL treatment has advanced from traditional chemotherapy to chemoimmunotherapy and targeted agents.
- Evaluating real-world survival outcomes is crucial for understanding treatment effectiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess survival outcomes in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients across different treatment eras.
- To evaluate the impact of novel therapies on real-world survival.
- To analyze population-based data focusing on patients receiving active systemic therapy.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study using SEER data (1995-2020).
- Stratified CLL patients into three eras: Pre-novel (1995-2004), Early novel (2005-2014), and Modern novel (2015-2020).
- Analyzed overall survival from treatment initiation, considering first-line therapy for era assignment.
Main Results:
- Median overall survival increased from 3.5 years (Pre-Novel) to 5.2 (Early Novel) and 7.8 years (Modern Novel).
- Mortality risk significantly decreased in later eras (aHR 0.75 for Early, 0.45 for Modern vs. Pre-Novel).
- Complete response rates rose from 15-20% to over 60% in the Modern era.
Conclusions:
- Significant survival improvements observed in CLL patients across treatment eras, particularly with modern targeted therapies.
- Therapeutic advances, not just disease biology or patient selection, are driving improved outcomes.
- Continued development of novel therapies is supported, though COVID-19 impact needs consideration.
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