Conventional Management of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Major advances have been made in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia over the last 20 years. A fundamental change has been precipitated by the discovery of the activity of the purine analogs fludarabine, 2‐chlorodeoxyadenosine and pentostatin. These agents are now being compared in comparative studies with conventional regimens based on alkylating agents. An appreciation of the wide spectrum of prognosis and need for treatment has been clarified, and other important modalities, such as monoclonal antibodies and autologous and allogeneic transplantation, have entered the arena and will need to be woven into the new algorithms for the treatment of this disease.