Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia CLL , April 9, 1998

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), April 9, 1998

CLL is relatively rare, primarily affecting elderly individuals over 50, with a higher incidence in males than females. In the early stages, generalized lymphadenopathy and leukocytosis with a predominance of lymphocytes are observed; in the middle stage, hepatosplenomegaly and thrombocytopenia develop; in the late stage, anemia and fever are common. Bone marrow examination reveals more than 5% immature lymphocytes. Treatment options include chlorambucil at 2 mg three times daily orally, with each course lasting two weeks; prednisone may also be used. If chlorambucil is unavailable, cyclophosphamide at 150 mg daily, with each course lasting 10 g, or even 200 mg intravenously once daily for two weeks, can be employed, combined with hormones, traditional Chinese medicine, and Xiaofeng Chushi capsules. Overall, CLL is a highly differentiated hematologic malignancy with low malignancy potential, but it is insensitive to combination chemotherapy. High-dose chemotherapy can damage the body, potentially worsening the condition or leading to death. Recently, some foreign reports have advocated for the use of the M regimen in combination chemotherapy, but this remains controversial.