Welcome!

The purpose of this guide is to help people with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)/ small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) and their loved ones learn about the most commonly used therapies recommended by specialists and some upcoming treatments in clinical trials. 

Throughout the guide, we will explain CLL therapy options (both fixed- and continuous-duration), their side effects, and other helpful information about these treatments. Understanding specialist-recommended CLL/SLL treatment options can empower you to make informed decisions. Research continually shows that patients who educate themselves about their condition often experience improved treatment outcomes and a better quality of life. 

Developed independently by HealthTree, this guide has been reviewed by CLL patients and care partners to ensure relevance to you. 

The guide is pending medical review. 

CLL and SLL

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) are essentially the same disease, just with different presentations. They are both types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that affect the same type of white blood cells, known as B lymphocytes (B cells). The key difference lies in where the cancer cells are found:

• CLL: The cancerous B cells are primarily found in the blood and bone marrow.
• SLL: The cancerous B cells are mainly in the lymph nodes and other lymphoid tissues but not significantly in the blood.

Despite this difference in location, the underlying blood cancer process is the same, and the treatment for both conditions is often similar.

To learn more, read here: Are CLL and SLL the Same Disease?

Throughout the guide, the primary focus is on CLL; however, this information and recommended therapies also apply to SLL patients and caregivers. 

What You Won't Find Here

This guide will not delve into the general aspects of CLL and its diagnosis, nor will it explore a comprehensive list of all clinical trials of CLL treatment. To learn about how CLL clinical trials work in general, click the article below. 

• What are Clinical Trials, and How May They Help Me?

CLL/SLL therapies not commonly used, such as chemotherapy, will not be discussed in detail in this guide; however, the article below gives more details on the use of chemotherapy in these blood cancers. 

• Is Chemotherapy Used to Treat CLL/SLL?

As the guide focuses on CLL/SLL therapies, treatments for Richter transformation will not be discussed in depth; however, the following article can help you learn more about this topic: 

• Richter Transformation: Symptoms, Tests, & Treatments

For foundational information about CLL, its progression, response criteria, or a deep dive into CLL clinical trials, we recommend exploring our rich library of resources:

• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia 101
• HealthTree University
• HealthTree CLL News
• HealthTree CLL Events
• HealthTree Clinical Trial Finder

How to Navigate the Guide 

Because this guide is comprehensive, it can be difficult to navigate. We invite you to use the side navigation panel to find different sections and use the left and right arrows on each page to browse the information in each section. If you are using a mobile device, click the horizontal lines icon near the top right of your screen to find the navigation panel. 

Keeping Up-to-Date

The field of CLL treatment continues to evolve rapidly, with over 80 new peer-reviewed publications appearing each month. While we strive to keep this guide updated with the latest information, some data and approval statuses may not reflect all recent developments. The guide is timestamped, reflecting the last time the information was updated.

Remember

This guide is intended to be informative but should not replace conversations with your medical team. Always discuss your questions or concerns about CLL therapies or your specific treatment plan with your doctor.

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