Onkológia 1/2014

Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (editorial)

Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is in Caucasian population the most frequent subtype of leukaemia. It belongs to the group of chronic lymphoproliferative neoplasms, to B-cell lymphomas. The knowledge of pathogenesis of the disease, diagnostic possibilities and especially new treatment modalities have changed recently so radically, that even newer books, less than 10 years old, are out of date. Therefore we have decided together with the editors to publish a series of articles written by prominent Slovakian hematologists and oncologists dealing with pathogenesis, modern diagnostic methods, differential diagnosis, and of course, newest treatment possibilities of this disease. Treatment of CLL today means not only cytostatic drugs and monoclonal antibodies against surface antigens of the leukaemic cells, but also inhibitors of kinases – enzymes involved in cell division and proliferation.

Keywords: chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, lymphoproliferative disorders/neoplasms, B-cell lymphomas, cytostatic drugs, monoclonal antibodies.