A variety of tests can help doctors determine the prognosis or outcome of your chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The first line of genetic or molecular testing is often looking at the chromosome amplifications or deletions that are unique to your cancer. This is done in a test called fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). The information from this test can help give a ballpark idea of the aggressiveness of your cancer, as well as the general life expectancy for people who have similar chromosome abnormalities.
Normal cells contain 23 pairs of chromosomes that we inherit from our parents. In some cases of CLL, however, the leukemic cells may be missing part of a chromosome. The loss of part of chromosome 13, for example, is linked to less aggressive disease and a better outlook. Patients with this deletion may go for years without treatment. Deletion of part of chromosome 17 is linked to a poorer outlook. Patients with this deletion may need to start treatment within a few months of their diagnosis.
Another important test looks at the gene for producing the immunoglobulins or antibodies that help you fight infections. This test checks if the genetic instructions for the immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region (IGHV) have changed to make your CLL more or less aggressive.
Having all this genetic information only gives a general idea of CLL outlook though. The tests can’t really predict exactly how you–or any individual–will do.
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
Dr. Matthew Davids is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and the Associate Director of the Dana-Farber CLL Center. Read More
A variety of tests can help doctors determine the prognosis or outcome of your chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The first line of genetic or molecular testing is often looking at the chromosome amplifications or deletions that are unique to your cancer. This is done in a test called fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). The information from this test can help give a ballpark idea of the aggressiveness of your cancer, as well as the general life expectancy for people who have similar chromosome abnormalities.
Normal cells contain 23 pairs of chromosomes that we inherit from our parents. In some cases of CLL, however, the leukemic cells may be missing part of a chromosome. The loss of part of chromosome 13, for example, is linked to less aggressive disease and a better outlook. Patients with this deletion may go for years without treatment. Deletion of part of chromosome 17 is linked to a poorer outlook. Patients with this deletion may need to start treatment within a few months of their diagnosis.
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Another important test looks at the gene for producing the immunoglobulins or antibodies that help you fight infections. This test checks if the genetic instructions for the immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region (IGHV) have changed to make your CLL more or less aggressive.
Having all this genetic information only gives a general idea of CLL outlook though. The tests can’t really predict exactly how you–or any individual–will do.
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
Dr. Matthew Davids is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and the Associate Director of the Dana-Farber CLL Center. Read More
