Infectious complications of chronic lymphocytic leukemia treatment

Abstract:

Infections are the main cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with B-chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL). The increased risk of infections is a consequence of immunosuppression itself, but can also be related to the mechanism of the drugs used in treatment. Although the treatment modalities for B-CLL have changed significantly in the recent years and rely minimally on immunochemotherapy, newer targeted drugs also contribute to the infectious complications by the effects of their working mechanism on the immune system. Therefore, it is important to recognize the risk groups of patients in the daily clinical practice, andassess the incidence of clinically and microbiologically proven bacterial, viral and fungal infections with a particular modality of B-CLL treatment in order to make the treatment of lymphoproliferative disorders more effective and safe.

Key words:
B-CLL; immunosuppression; infections; prophylaxis; risk factors