Epidemiology, Pathogenesis And Treatment Of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia: An Update

Authors

Keywords:

B-cells, Binet, Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors, Chemoimmunotherapy, Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia, Immunophenotype, Lymphocytes, Rai

Abstract

Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is a neoplastic disease characterised by the accumulation of small, mature-looking lymphocytes in the blood and bone marrow (BM). It is an indolent leukaemia characterised by the progressive accumulation of CD5-positive B cells in the blood and bone marrow because of a failure in programmed cell death or apoptosis. Peripheral blood immunophenotyping is required to confirm CLL diagnosis. The treatment of CLL currently consists of two main approaches — continuous therapy with Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitors and fixed-duration regimens combining venetoclax with CD20 antibodies and/or Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Chemotherapy and chemo-immunotherapy are gradually becoming obsolete.

Author Biographies

  • Okoli RO, Benue State University

    Department of Haematology, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi. Nigeria

  • Osunde I, Benue State University

    Department of Haematology, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi. Nigeria

  • Omenka L, Benue State University

    Department of Haematology, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi. Nigeria

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Published

2026-06-30