Some Treatment Options for CLL
You may just be starting treatment for your CLL. Or you may need treatment again because the disease has advanced (relapse).
There are many treatment options for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Some goals of treatment are to:
- Relieve symptoms
- Keep the disease from advancing
- Get the disease into partial or complete remission
Keep in mind: Remission can be partial or complete. Partial remission means the cancer is significantly improved, but evidence of the cancer remains. Complete remission means all evidence of the cancer is gone for a period of time.
Some common treatment options include:
- Watch-and-wait—An option that involves watching for symptoms of CLL and not starting treatment unless needed. Some people with CLL never need treatment
Learn more about watch-and-wait - Chemotherapy—Drugs used to attack cells that are fast growing. This includes cancer cells and different types of healthy cells throughout the body
Learn more about chemotherapy and CLL - Targeted therapy—A type of treatment that attacks a specific type of cell. This includes the group of healthy cells from which cancer cells derive
Learn more about targeted therapy and CLL
The right treatment for you depends on a number of factors. These include:
- The stage of CLL—where the CLL is in your body
- Your personal characteristics—such as age and overall health
Treatments may vary from patient to patient. And when you’ve been treated before, remember that your response may not be as good the second time around. Still, it is important to understand what options are available and to discuss your treatment goals with your doctor.
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.
