Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia - The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

esults in significantly decreased platelet counts. The drugs prednisone, Rituxan
and cyclosporine are sometimes used to treat autoimmune hemolytic anemia and
immune thrombocytopenia.
Second Cancers. People with CLL have a higher risk than the general population
of developing a second cancer. The second cancers that are seen most frequently
are melanoma, soft tissue sarcoma, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, squamous cell
skin cancer and basal cell carcinoma. The recurrence rate of basal cell carcinoma
after treatment is also higher for people with CLL compared to that of the general
population. Both treated and untreated people with CLL can develop acute
myeloid leukemia or myelodysplastic syndromes. This complication is more
common after treatment with fludarabine and cyclophosphamide (FC or FCR).
Further evaluation is needed to determine whether treatment with fludarabine
may increase the risk of second solid tumor cancers. It is important to follow up
with your oncologist on a regular basis. More information about long-term and
late effects can be found in the free LLS publication Long-Term and Late Effects of
Treatment in Adults.
Clinical Trials
New approaches to treatment in clinical trials, many of which are being supported
by LLS research programs, hold the promise of increasing the rate of remission and
finding a cure for CLL.
Clinical Trials. Every new drug or treatment regimen goes through a series of
studies called “clinical trials” before it becomes part of standard therapy. Clinical
trials are carefully designed and rigorously reviewed by expert clinicians and
researchers to ensure as much safety and scientific accuracy as possible. Participation
in a carefully conducted clinical trial may be the “best available” therapy. Patient
participation in clinical trials in the past has resulted in the therapies we have today.
LLS Information Specialists, at (800) 955-4572, can offer guidance on how
patients can work with their doctors to determine if a specific clinical trial is an
appropriate treatment option. Information Specialists will conduct individualized
clinical-trial searches for patients, family members and healthcare professionals.
This service is also available at www.LLS.org/clinicaltrials.
Research Approaches. There are clinical trials for newly diagnosed patients and
patients with relapsed or refractory disease. A number of approaches are under
study in clinical trials for the treatment of patients with CLL, as follows:
New Drug Treatments. Specific new drug therapies under study in clinical trials
for people with CLL include
page 20 I 800.955.4572 I www.LLS.org