Join Jeremy Abramson, MD and Jeffrey Barnes, MD as they present their multidisciplinary expertise on a range of cases pertaining to CLL and SLL.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)/small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) are characterized by progressive accumulation of abnormal lymphocytes in the peripheral blood, bone marrow, and lymphoid tissues. Cytogenetic abnormalities are present in the majority of patients with CLL/SLL. The presence of del(13q) as a sole abnormality is associated with a favorable prognosis whereas del (17p) affecting TP53 gene or del (11q) are associated with disease progression and reduced survival. CLL/SLL is diagnosed mainly in older patients, who often present with multiple comorbidities. Since the presence of comorbid conditions is an important prognostic factor, in addition to the disease stage and patient’s age, treatment options should be based on the presence or absence of comorbid conditions. Del (17p) and del (11q) are then used to direct treatment options, for patients with symptomatic disease when indications are present.