Three Fast Facts on Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

According to the American Cancer Society, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common type of leukemia in adults in the United States. However, the disease does not originate in the blood itself. CLL actually is formed in lymphocytes — cells that eventually become white blood cells – which are located in the bone marrow. The disease then moves out into patients’ blood.

While being diagnosed with any kind of cancer can be shocking and scary, patients with CLL should not see the disease as a death sentence. New therapies, such as Imbruvica (ibrutinib) and Copiktra (duvelisib), are helping patients with CLL live much longer lives.

However, it is no secret that cancer care can become expensive — especially when someone is prescribed a medication for years on end. But patients should rest assure that there are organizations and nonprofits out there that can help. Key stakeholders are even coming together to discuss the best way that costs for cancer drugs can be lowered.

Visit curetoday.com for more information on CLL, and sign up for our e-newsletters to never miss a beat. And, to help you understand the patient journey from diagnosis to survivorship, the CLL Guide is here to help.