Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia

1 medicine

Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is a slow-growing blood cancer of the B-lymphocytes, most often diagnosed in older adults through a routine blood test.

Leukeran

Chlorambucil

2/5mg

Leukeran is a oncology medication containing Chlorambucil, available as 2/5mg tablets.

from $3.12 / tablet View

Key facts

  • Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is a cancer of the B-lymphocytes, white blood cells that normally fight infection; abnormal cells build up in the blood, bone marrow, and lymph nodes instead of dying off naturally.
  • It is usually slow-growing. Many people live with it for years before treatment is needed, and it is often picked up incidentally on a routine blood test before symptoms appear.
  • When symptoms develop, they typically include persistent fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, night sweats, and more frequent infections; an enlarged spleen can cause discomfort under the left ribs.
  • Treatment is not always immediate. When it is needed, medicines such as chlorambucil, a long-established chemotherapy agent, are used, particularly for older or less-fit patients.

How CLL behaves

CLL tends to progress slowly. Doctors use staging systems and specific biological markers to judge how quickly a person's disease is likely to advance and when treatment should start, rather than treating everyone at diagnosis. Regular monitoring of blood counts remains central to management throughout the course of the disease, whether or not treatment has started.

Symptoms to watch for

Many cases have no symptoms at all and are found on a routine blood test. When symptoms do appear, they typically include persistent tiredness, swollen lymph nodes in the neck or armpits, drenching night sweats, and a tendency to pick up infections more easily. Some people notice discomfort under the left ribs from an enlarged spleen.

How CLL is treated

Not every diagnosis calls for immediate treatment; many people are monitored for years before any medicine is started. When treatment does begin, chlorambucil, a long-established alkylating chemotherapy agent, is a standard option for older adults or those less able to tolerate more intensive regimens. It is one of several medicines used in oncology support care alongside regular blood count monitoring.

When to see a doctor

Report persistent fatigue, unexplained swollen glands, drenching night sweats, or frequent infections to a doctor. Anyone already diagnosed with CLL should seek prompt review for a rapidly enlarging spleen, new fevers, or unexplained weight loss.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.