Publication Date

Spring 4-25-2011

School

College of Arts and Sciences

Major

Biology: Pre-Med

Primary Subject Area

Health Sciences, Oncology

Keywords

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, CLL

Disciplines

Immune System Diseases | Medicine and Health Sciences

Abstract

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) is one of the most common forms of adult leukemia in North Americans. However, it has been shown through the analysis of clinical studies and synopses of medical research that no current treatment indefinitely cures CLL or prolongs the life of CLL patients. Current CLL therapies are either symptomatic treatments (chemotherapy and immunotherapy) that do not improve complete remission rates or effective treatments that target the actual cancer but have excessive morbidity and toxicity rates (stem cell transplants). Conventional CLL treatments are inadequate according to the results of clinical trials and research of field experts. Potential fields of research (nanotechnology, gene therapy and phytotherapy) that show promise as CLL therapies according to the studies of researchers and scientists should be further examined. If a cure for CLL is to be found, the focus of treatment needs to move away from symptomatic relief toward the identification and remedy of the cause of the cancer.

Share

COinS