Initial Therapy for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: A Review of Latest Research Findings

Initial options for treating chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) depend in part on the patient's age, disease stage, level of fitness and ability to tolerate the therapy. In this video, Mitchell Smith, MD, PhD, Director of Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute's Lymphoid Malignancy Program, discusses research results from the American Society of Hematology's (ASH) December 2013 Annual Meeting addressing whether fludarabine, cyclophosphamide and rituximab (FCR) should be the treatment of choice for young, fit CLL patients. Dr. Smith also reviews research findings from ASH about the best initial therapy for elderly, less-fit CLL patients.