Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common leukemia in adults in Western countries. It is characterized by heterogeneous clinical course of the disease and new prognostic factors are still needed. CD74 plays an important role in signal transduction in B cell proliferation and survival pathway. CD74 expression has been shown in solid tumors and has been connected with poor prognosis a...

In this issue of Blood, Jitschin et al demonstrate a microenvironmental glycolytic shift in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells mediated by Notch-c-Myc signaling. Interfering in the Notch-c-Myc pathway and reprogramming glycolytic metabolism could contribute to overcoming drug resistance in CLL.

Download ultaneous targeting of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway increases arsenic trioxide –dependent cytotoxicity of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells, whereas it has no significant (ATO) effects on normal lymphocytes. Combinations of ATO with small molecules that target PI3K and/or Akt may provide a novel approach for the treatment of CLL. Clin Cancer Res; 16(17); 4311...

We report a remarkable association of recurrent (stereotyped) cytogenetic aberrations with two subsets of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cases expressing IgG-switched, stereotyped B-cell receptors (BCRs). Comparison with cases with heterogeneous BCRs showed that these recurrent cytogenetic aberrations were subset-biased. These findings further support a role for antigen in CLL development.

Increasing evidence supports the prognostic relevance of specific immunoglobulin heavy chain variable (IGHV) genes or stereotyped B-cell receptors (BCR) in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The clonotypic BCRs differ in their specificity and affinity toward classical antigens and/or superantigens. The BCR-triggered mechanisms are distinct but could explain in part the different clinical behav...

CLL is characterized by the gradual accumulation of malignant lymphocytes in the bone marrow, blood, lymph nodes, liver, and spleen. Thus, the major clinical features are the sequelae of bone marrow failure and the compressive syndromes that result from gross enlargement of lymphoid organs. In addition, CLL is associated with humoral and cell-mediated immunodeficiencies as well Chronic Lymphocy...

This article reviews, for the internist, recent advances in our understanding of the immunology and clinical characteristics of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The method of treatment based on clinical staging of CLL and as practiced in the authors' clinic is detailed. It also provides an outline of possible investigation and therapy that may be expected in the coming years.

Orbital involvement in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is rare with very few published cases. We describe a case of unilateral isolated extraocular muscle enlargement in a patient with CLL. An incisional biopsy was performed from the left medial rectus muscle and histology revealed a lymphocytic infiltrate suggestive of CLL. Complete resolution of signs and symptoms was subsequently achieved...

A 60 year old man with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) developed a subacute neurological illness associated with multiple contrast enhancing lesions on CT scan. At autopsy large demyelinating lesions characteristic of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) were found in the right cerebral hemisphere surrounded by a dense leukemic infiltrate. The areas of contrast enhancement, highl...

The diagnosis of Lyme disease may be a challenge in patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. In relying on detection of antibodies in the serum for diagnosis we are presented with a problem in our patients with CLL in whom there is hypogammaglobulinemia secondary to B-cell malfunction. We suggest the use of PCR in aiding in diagnosis of Lyme disease in patients with CLL.