Working to Reconstitute CLL Patient's Immune System

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Curr Oncol Rep. 2003 Sep;5(5):419-25.

Immunologic monitoring in chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Wierda WG.

University of Texas M.D. Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe

Boulevard, Box 428, Houston, TX 77030, USA.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is characterized by progressive

defects in humoral- and cell-mediated immunity. These defects are

manifested as a propensity to develop infections with encapsulated

bacteria, and less frequently, with gram-negative enterics. In

addition, reactivation of viruses such as herpesvirus is not

uncommon. Treatment of the disease further exacerbates

immunosuppression by depleting immune effectors and broadening the

spectrum of potentially offending pathogens. Risk of infection can

potentially be reduced by administration of intravenous

immunoglobulin and use of prophylactic antibiotics for individuals

who are at high risk.

Current work focuses on development of cellular and cytokine therapy

to facilitate immune reconstitution in patients with CLL, thereby

reducing morbidity and mortality and potentially improving survival.

PMID: 12895395 [PubMed - in process]