Khalid Ahmed Al-Anazi
King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Saudi Arabia
Title: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia in the era of molecular diagnostics and targeted therapies
Biography
Biography: Khalid Ahmed Al-Anazi
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a monoclonal lymphoproliferative disease characterized by accumulation of mature lymphocytes due to disturbance in genetically regulated form of cell death [apoptosis]. It is the commonest leukemia in the west accounting for 10-35% of cases. The clinical course varies from indolent to aggressive. CLL has various clinical manifestations and several complications. The disease may be discovered accidentally or may present with lymphocytosis, anemia, thrombocytopenia, lymphadenopathy or hepatosplenomegaly. There are 2 staging systems: Rai and Binet. Also, the risk of disease can be classified according to specific criteria in order to tailor treatment accordingly. The patient may stay under watchful waiting for years as there are specific indications for therapeutic interventions. Over the last 50 years, management of CLL has advanced from supportive measures to cytotoxic chemotherapy and finally targeted therapies. Also, autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has been replaced by reduced intensity conditioning form of HSCT. In the last few years, there has been a plethora of targeted therapies, monoclonal antibodies and immunotherapies such as ofatumumab, idelalisib, obatoclax, ibrutinib and vaccination therapy that may revolutionize the management of CLL. The recent advancements in the diagnostics and therapeutics are likely to translate into superior outcome and longer survival in patients with CLL.