A hastening of cell death has been proposed as its mechanism. It was first used as a treatment for acute myelogenous leukemia, but was found to be toxic. New agents being tested in Phase I include UCN-01, bryostatin, flavopiridol, GW 506U78 and arsenic. Gene therapy is being tested with responses reported. Finally, stem cell transplantation utilizing techniques of in vivo and ex vivo purging are being increasingly utilized.
Prognosis is based on the stage of the disease.
A patient with early stage disease may have no symptoms, and may live with the disease for 10-20 years. Eventually, complications will arise and therapy will be instituted. It is a disease of aging, and patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia today may live with the condition for many years. Because the immune system is affected, patients need to watch for secondary malignancies, as well as the likelihood of increased incidence of infection. We offer a clinical expertise in our staff based upon many years of treating this disease with access to all medications.