Understanding the Stages of CLL

The stages of CLL are used to describe how far along your disease is. Note that risk is the likelihood that the CLL may advance and become more serious.

Ask your doctor or nurse to tell you the stage and risk of your CLL. Then, discuss what it may mean for you. Also, learn more in the table below.

CLL stage/risk	How far along your disease is
Stage 0: Low risk	High lymphocyte count in the blood
Stage 1: Intermediate risk	High lymphocyte count in the blood Swollen lymph nodes
Stage 2: Intermediate risk	High lymphocyte count in the blood Swollen spleen or liver With or without swollen lymph nodes
Stage 3: High risk	High lymphocyte count in the blood Low red blood cell count (anemia) With or without swollen lymph nodes, spleen, or liver
Stage 4: High risk	High lymphocyte count in the blood Low platelets With or without low red blood cell count (anemia), swollen lymph nodes, spleen, or liver

This information does not take the place of talking with your doctor. Discuss with your doctor any questions you have about your medical condition or your treatment.

Next Section Some Treatment Options

Indications

RITUXAN® (Rituximab) is indicated in combination with fludarabine and cyclophosphamide (FC chemotherapy) for the treatment of patients with:

Previously untreated CD20-positive CLL
Previously treated CD20-positive CLL

People with serious infections should not receive RITUXAN.

Safety Information

RITUXAN can cause serious side effects that can lead to death, including: infusion reactions, tumor lysis syndrome (TLS; kidney failure due to fast breakdown of cancer cells), severe skin and mouth reactions, and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML; a rare, serious brain infection).
RITUXAN has also been associated with serious and life-threatening side effects, including: the return of active hepatitis B virus infection with sudden and serious liver problems including liver failure, and death, other serious infections that can lead to death, heart problems, kidney problems, and stomach and serious bowel problems including blockage and tears in the bowel that can sometimes lead to death.
The most common side effects of RITUXAN seen in clinical trials of patients with CLL were infusion reactions and low white blood cells, which can increase the risk of infections. Before starting treatment with RITUXAN it is important for you to talk to your doctor about your medical history.
Tell your doctor about any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all of the possible side effects with RITUXAN. For more information, ask your doctor.

Please see full Prescribing Information, including Medication Guide, in PDF format.