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Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)

Disease Information

Genentech BioOncology is dedicated to advancing the science of CLL therapy through comprehensive research programs and education. CLL is the slow growth of malignant B-cell lymphocytes in the blood and bone marrow.¹ There are 2 forms of CLL:

Forms of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)

CLL associated with high levels of ZAP-70 and CD38 proteins progresses relatively quickly. People with this form of CLL survive an average of about 8 years¹
CLL associated with lower levels of ZAP-70 and CD38 proteins progresses very slowly and rarely needs to be treated. People with this kind of CLL survive an average of 15 years or more¹

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) Demographics

CLL is the most common form of adult leukemia, accounting for one-third of all leukemias in the United States²
In 2010, an estimated 14,990 people in the United States were diagnosed with CLL and 4,390 died of the disease²
The incidence of CLL has remained relatively stable since 1975²

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) Epidemiology

Risk factors include exposure to certain chemicals (eg, Agent Orange, certain pesticides); family history (first-degree relatives of CLL patients have a 2- to 4-fold increased risk); male gender; North American or European ancestry (in contrast with Asian)¹
The 5-year relative survival rate for CLL is 79%²

The symptoms of CLL are often vague and nonspecific. They may include asthenia, fatigue, weight loss, fever, night sweats, enlarged lymph nodes, and enlarged spleen. Patients with advanced CLL may develop anemia, neutropenia, lymphocytosis, thrombocytopenia, and frequent infection.¹