Known to be one of the most widespread blood diseases in the Western world, Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) it affects around 5 out of 100,000 people every year. However, modern medicine has achieved important results in the treatment of this pathology, so much so that it is now possible to talk about remission.
What is Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
CLL falls into the group of neoplastic blood diseases, and consists of a significant accumulation of lymphocytes not only in the bloodstream, but also in the bone marrow and lymphatic organs. This is because lymphocytes, often B lymphocytes, undergo a genetic alteration. It is usually a disease that affects elderly people and the average age at the time of diagnosis is around 70 years. Compared to other types of leukemia, its course is indolent, which often does not even require urgent treatment, but this is not always the case. Furthermore, there are variants that have a more unfavorable prognosis.
The most obvious symptom of this pathology is thegeneralized adenopathyi.e. the enlargement of more than two groups of non-contiguous lymphoids. Tiredness, pallor, palpitations and bleeding may also appear afterwards. All accompanied by a deficit in the immune response.
In Italy, unfortunately around 3 thousand people receive a diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia per year. “It is not considered a curable disease, in the common sense with which we imagine this term: that is, after a diagnosis, undergoing a given therapy for a specific time and, at the end of the therapy, no longer having the disease”, he explains Marco Vignettipresident of the GIMEMA Foundation Franco Mandelli, at the event The Time of Health. “If therapy (or when therapy) becomes necessary, we have the possibility of using ‘target’ drugs that maintain very long-term control of the disease, always allowing, in fact, a life almost similar to that of a non-ill person”, he adds.
In fact, the weapons are there. And now it is also possible to hope for one remission.
New therapies
To date it is not yet possible heal from chronic lymphocytic leukemia, but you can still hope for a treatment that makes life as normal as possible. All this thanks to the results achieved by the research. Patients can go about their days peacefully, without thinking about the pathology.
The first weapon to fight against this disease is control and evaluation. When CLL has no symptoms, is indolent, and is considered small, there is no need to intervene. The situation can be monitored with a simple blood test (complete blood count). When the lymph nodes begin to swell and the level of lymphocytes in the blood rises, then it is time to start treatment.
At one time, a combo was used that involved both chemotherapy and the use of monoclonal antibodies. Now, however, we have much more specific and targeted drugs, capable of blocking cell growth. “Today we have oral biological drugs that are able to intervene on some mechanisms that favor the proliferation and survival of disease cells. Some of these drugs, the BTK (Bruton’s tyrosine kinase) inhibitors, reduce the disease while maintaining control as long as they are taken continuously every day. The BCL2 protein inhibitor, on the other hand, promotes the survival of diseased cells over time and can give very profound responses in which the diseased cells are no longer identifiable even with very fine laboratory methods.
With some medicines, optimal long-lasting disease control and in others even deep remissions can be achieved,” he explained Paolo Ghiadirector of the Strategic Program on Chronic Lymphatic Leukemia at the Irccs San Raffaele Hospital in Milan.
The disease, in this way, is sent into remission, and can remain so for months, if not even for years.
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: A Quick Dip into the World of Lymphocytes and Laughter!
Ah, Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)—the party crasher of the blood diseases. While it affects around 5 out of 100,000 people annually in the Western world, most of us are still dodging the real party (our 50th birthday, anyone?). But fear not, modern medicine isn’t just showing up to the party; it’s bringing cake! And by cake, I mean remission.
Let’s Get to Know CLL (But Not as a Friend)
CLL is like that one friend who overstays their welcome—an accumulation of lymphocytes in your bloodstream and other fun hangout spots like bone marrow and lymphatic organs. Lymphocytes are usually the good guys, often B lymphocytes, but in this case, they’ve gone rogue thanks to some genetic alteration. Imagine grandma trying to use TikTok; it’s adorable but also concerning! But hey, CLL tends to pick on older folks, with most diagnoses around the tender age of 70. So if you hear “indolent,” it’s CLL’s way of saying, “I’m in no rush!”
The signs are as obvious as your uncle trying to dance at weddings: lymph node swelling, fatigue, pallor, and a tendency to bleed—because nothing says “Hey, I’m unwell!” like a spontaneous nosebleed during Bingo night! So, if you’re feeling a bit off, it might be time to get checked out. After all, no one wants to end up as part of a medical statistic, like the average age of a person diagnosed with CLL!
In Italy, about 3,000 individuals get slapped with a CLL diagnosis every year. As Marco Vignetti would put it, “It’s not exactly a surprise party!” While Marco, president of the GIMEMA Foundation, states that the disease isn’t ‘curable’ in the traditional sense, he does mention that therapy can be so effective that you might as well be living your best life—like an Instagram influencer but with fewer selfies.
Modern Medicine to the Rescue!
Today, while CLL might still have its claws in you, healthcare professionals have some impressive new tricks up their sleeves. You see, the first step in this dance is monitoring—you don’t always need to intervene. So when you hear “indolent,” think of it as your body saying, “I’m okay having a quiet night in!” But the moment your lymph nodes decide they want more attention, it’s time to pull out the treatment deck.
Gone are the days of brutish chemotherapy. Instead, we’re talking about targeted therapies that attack cancer cells with the precision of a surgeon—no more swinging sledgehammers in the hospital!
Dr. Paolo Ghia, director at the San Raffaele Hospital in Milan, talks about some of these high-tech weapons: oral biological drugs and BTK inhibitors that will have the disease on the ropes. Imagine them as ninja warriors in your bloodstream, quietly taking out the bad guys while you sip on your chamomile tea! And if they really do their job, those diseased cells could become as unidentifiable as your favorite celebrity without makeup.
The best part? With these cutting-edge treatments, you could experience a remission that sticks around like that one friend who’s always “on the way” to the party, months or even years! So, while CLL isn’t quite cured, there’s hope that it can be kept at bay like a second cousin who never stops talking about their stamp collection.
Wrapping It All Up with a Bow!
So, in conclusion, while Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia might seem daunting, thanks to advancements in medicine, we’re turning the dread into a chuckle. You might not be throwing confetti just yet—after all, who wants to clean that up?—but there’s reason to be optimistic. Whether you’re heading into treatment or beginning your journey to remission, remember that laughter is universal medicine! And if anyone asks why you’re laughing at blood diseases, just tell them you’re practicing your stand-up for when they find a cure for ‘boring conversations!’
Stay healthy, and always find a reason to laugh, even if it’s at the severity of your platelet count!
What are the latest advancements in therapies for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) discussed by Marco Vignetti?
**Interview with Marco Vignetti, President of the GIMEMA Foundation**
**Editor:** Today we have Marco Vignetti, president of the GIMEMA Foundation, who is here to discuss chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and the recent advancements in its treatment. Thank you for joining us, Marco!
**Marco Vignetti:** Thank you for having me!
**Editor:** Let’s start with the basics. What exactly is chronic lymphocytic leukemia and how does it affect those diagnosed with it?
**Marco Vignetti:** CLL is a neoplastic disease characterized by the accumulation of abnormal lymphocytes, primarily B lymphocytes, in the blood, bone marrow, and lymphatic organs. It typically affects older adults, with an average diagnosis age around 70. The disease’s course is often indolent, which means it can sometimes be monitored instead of treated immediately.
**Editor:** That’s an important distinction. You mentioned that CLL isn’t considered curable in the traditional sense. Can you elaborate on what that means for patients?
**Marco Vignetti:** Absolutely. While CLL may not be curable like some other diseases, modern therapies have made significant strides in managing it. When treatment is necessary, we now have targeted therapies that control the disease effectively, allowing many patients to lead lives comparable to those without the illness. Some patients can even achieve remission for months or years.
**Editor:** That’s hopeful news. Can you tell us more about the types of therapies currently available?
**Marco Vignetti:** Certainly! In the past, treatments involved chemotherapy combined with monoclonal antibodies. Today, we have more specific oral biological drugs that target the mechanisms promoting the growth and survival of CLL cells. For instance, BTK inhibitors can significantly reduce disease progression, while BCL2 inhibitors can lead to profound responses, sometimes resulting in undetectable disease states.
**Editor:** It sounds like there’s promising progress in treating CLL. What can patients expect in their journey after a diagnosis?
**Marco Vignetti:** Patients are generally monitored closely, especially if their CLL is indolent and asymptomatic. It’s crucial to stay vigilant, and when intervention becomes necessary, treatment options can provide excellent control over the disease. Patients can often return to their everyday activities with less worry about their condition, which is incredibly empowering.
**Editor:** Thank you, Marco, for sharing this vital information. It’s reassuring to hear about the advancements in CLL treatments and the potential for remission. Any final thoughts you’d like to leave with our audience?
**Marco Vignetti:** Just that ongoing research and advancements are critical for improving the quality of life for CLL patients. Awareness and early detection are key. If anyone experiences symptoms like lymph node swelling or persistent fatigue, it’s important to seek medical advice.
**Editor:** Thank you, Marco. It’s been a pleasure speaking with you today!
**Marco Vignetti:** Thank you for having me!