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Hematologic Cancers: From Molecular Pathobiology to Targeted Therapeutics pp 43–52Cite as

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: From Pathobiology to Targeted Therapy

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Part of the book series: Cancer Growth and Progression ((CAGP,volume 14))

Abstract

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a heterogeneous type of malignant B cell cancer that occurs in older adults. CLL patients may stay free of cancer symptoms for a long period of time and require no treatment. However, malignant progression of CLL strikes indefinitely in some patients, and such CLL responds poorly to conventional chemotherapies and will eventually acquire chemoresistance. Currently, no efficient therapeutic options are available to prevent or stop CLL from progressing into an uncontrollable chemoresistant stage. CLL thus remains to be a challenging disease that requires research explorations for efficient therapeutic methods. CLL cells harbor gene deletions and mutations that continue to accumulate in the course of disease progression and chemotherapy. While it is difficult to directly correct genetic defects in CLL, we reviewed recent research advancements focusing on several crucial molecular pathways that support the proliferative potential of CLL. Since molecules in these pathways can contribute to proliferation, survival and chemoresistance of CLL, they are potentially useful therapeutic targets. We discussed promising methods that have been developed to target functions of these molecules. Encouraging results emerged from these continuing research efforts have provided a new hope for more efficient treatments and increased survival rates for CLL patients.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Hematologic Malignancies, Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA

    Javier Pinilla-Ibarz M.D., Ph.D.

  2. Immunology Program, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA

    Chih-Chi Andrew Hu Ph.D.

Authors
  1. Javier Pinilla-Ibarz M.D., Ph.D.
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  2. Chih-Chi Andrew Hu Ph.D.
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Correspondence to Chih-Chi Andrew Hu Ph.D. .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Research Institute, Department of Hematopathology and, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center &, Magnolia Drive - MCC-LAB 12902, Tampa, 33612, Florida, USA

    Jianguo Tao

  2. Research Institute, Department of Malignant Hematology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center &, Magnolia Drive 12902, Tampa, 33612, Florida, USA

    Eduardo Sotomayor

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© 2012 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht

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Pinilla-Ibarz, J., Hu, CC.A. (2012). Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: From Pathobiology to Targeted Therapy. In: Tao, J., Sotomayor, E. (eds) Hematologic Cancers: From Molecular Pathobiology to Targeted Therapeutics. Cancer Growth and Progression, vol 14. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-5028-9_3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-5028-9_3

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