Symptoms
J&J withMe in your country
Symptoms of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL)
CLL tends to progress slowly and many people with CLL may not experience symptoms for years. Symptoms of CLL can also be linked to many other conditions, making it difficult to self-detect the disease without proper testing.
The most common symptoms include:
- Frequent infections
- Anaemia: persistent tiredness, shortness of breath, and pale skin
- Weight loss
- Night sweats
- Fever
- Bleeding and bruising more easily than normal
- Abdominal swelling and discomfort
- Swollen glands in the neck, armpits, and groin
CLL is often detected during routine check-ups and blood tests for other health problems, as the cancerous cells can be easily detected in the blood.
Unlike bowel or breast cancer, it’s not common practice to routinely screen for CLL, but it is important to contact your doctor as soon as you experience any of the mentioned symptoms or any other changes in your health.
References
[1]
Global Patient and Carer Experience Survey. (2021). Available at: https://www.clladvocates.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Global-Leukemia-Experience-Survey_Full-Report.pdf. Last accessed: November 2024.
[2]
Alu, Aqu et al. BTK inhibitors in the treatment of hematological malignancies and inflammatory diseases: mechanisms and clinical studies. Journal of Hematology & Oncology. 2022 Oct;15:138.
[3]
Tam CS, et al. Health-related quality of life outcomes associated with zanubrutinib versus ibrutinib monotherapy in patients with relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia and small lymphocytic lymphoma: results from the ALPINE Trial. Curr Med Res Opin. 2023 Sep:1-7.
[4]
Eichhorst B, et al. ESMO Clinical Practice Guideline interim update on new targeted therapies in the first line and at relapse of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. Ann Oncol. 2024;35(9):762-768.
[5]
DrugBank Online. Warfarin. Available at: https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00682. Last accessed: November 2024.
[6]
Lipsky A, et al. Managing toxicities of Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Hematology Am Soc Hematol Educ Program. 2020 Dec;2020(1):336-345.
[7]
Cancer Research UK. Ibrutinib (Imbruvica). Available at: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/treatment/drugs/ibrutinib. Last accessed: November 2024.
[8]
NHS Inform. Diarrhoea. Available at: https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/stomach-liver-and-gastrointestinal-tract/diarrhoea/. Last accessed: November 2024.
[9]
Macmillan Cancer Support. Ibrutinib (Imbruvica). Available at: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/treatments-and-drugs/ibrutinib. Last accessed: November 2024.
[10]
Quartermaine C, et al. (2023). Cardiovascular Toxicities of BTK Inhibitors in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: JACC: CardioOncology State-of-the-Art Review. JACC: CardioOncology, 5(5), pp.570–590.
[11]
Zeynep Tuğba Güven. CLL-256 Monocytosis Developing in the Course of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Case Report. 2024;24;Sup 1: S349-S350.
[12]
Valla K, et al. Atrial Fibrillation: Considerations for the Use of BTK Inhibitors. Cancer Network Oncology. 2018 Nov; 32(11):574-575.
