Q & A Library

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) affects older people (usually those over 40), develops gradually, and often progresses very slowly. In fact, many cases never need to be treated. Sometimes, however, CLL can accelerate or transform into a more serious disease. With this type of leukemia, B lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell in bone marrow, begin to proliferate. But these leukemic cells are abnormal, and as they take over the bone marrow, the body's ability to resist infection declines.

The cause of CLL is unknown. Several studies suggest that exposure to Agent Orange, an herbicide used during the Vietnam War, is to blame for some cases; others have seen an increased risk from long-term exposure to certain pesticides used in agriculture. CLL hasn't been linked to smoking, diet, radiation, or infections.

Often, CLL turns up in routine blood tests in people with no symptoms. When symptoms are present, they tend to be nonspecific: weakness, fatigue, weight loss, fever, night sweats, enlarged lymph nodes, and abdominal discomfort after eating (often caused by an enlarged spleen).

When the disease is diagnosed, it is also "staged" - based on the number of CLL cells, whether the lymph nodes, spleen or liver is enlarged, whether anemia is present. These and other factors help determine how advanced the disease is and whether a patient is at low risk or high risk of rapid progression.

CLL can't be cured, but the outlook for those at low risk is good, meaning probable long term survival without treatment. It is important to have frequent follow-up exams under the supervision of a physician experienced with this type of leukemia.

To maintain your husband's health, I would recommend mind/body techniques such as guided imagery and meditation, eating right, and staying physically active. I also advise him to consider taking my daily antioxidant formula and Immune Support formula, or use Host Defense, a mixture of Asian mushroom extracts from New Chapter.

Andrew Weil, M.D.