Chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a usually slow-growing cancer of clonal, mature-appearing B lymphocytes that accumulate in blood, bone marrow, and lymphoid tissues.

B-cell receptor signaling: The signaling network activated when a B cell’s receptor binds an antigen. Signals through this pathway help sustain CLL-cell survival and growth.
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia diagnosis: The evaluation used to establish CLL and distinguish it from related blood disorders. Diagnosis combines persistent clonal B-cell counts with characteristic immunophenotyping.
Monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis: A clonal B-cell condition with a low blood-cell count and no clinical features of CLL. It can precede CLL but does not meet the blood-count threshold for a CLL diagnosis.
Richter transformation: The transformation of CLL into an aggressive lymphoma, most often diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. A sudden change in symptoms or disease behavior can signal this serious complication.
Apoptosis: A regulated process by which cells undergo programmed death. CLL cells accumulate partly because their survival is prolonged and cell death is reduced.
Flow cytometry: A laboratory method that identifies and measures cells using fluorescent markers and light scattering. It detects the characteristic surface-marker pattern of CLL B cells.
Small lymphocytic lymphoma: A lymphoma of CLL-like B cells with low circulating clonal B-cell counts and prominent tissue disease. It shares CLL’s cell phenotype but is classified by where the disease is concentrated.
Hypogammaglobulinemia: An abnormally low concentration of antibodies in the blood. It is common in CLL and contributes to recurrent infections.
Lymph node: A small immune organ where lymphocytes encounter antigens and interact with other immune cells. Lymph-node niches provide CLL cells with signals that support their persistence.
Rai staging system: A clinical staging system that classifies CLL by blood counts, lymph-node enlargement, and organ involvement. It summarizes disease extent and helps estimate prognosis in common US practice.

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