Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia: ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up

Abstract

Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is the most common leukaemia in the Western world with an incidence of 4.2:100 000/year. The incidence increases to >30:100 000/year at an age of >80 years. The median age at diagnosis is 72 years. About 10% of the CLL patients are reported to be younger than 55 years. There is an inherited genetic susceptibility for CLL, with a 6- to 9-fold increased risk for family members of CLL patients.