Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia: An updated approach to diagnosis and management in general practice.

BACKGROUND: Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is the most common lymphoproliferative disease in Australia. Improvements in the understanding of this disease have led to drastic changes in regards to diagnosis, management and prognosis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to give an updated approach to the diagnosis, investigation, monitoring and new treatments of CLL.

DISCUSSION: With the advent of new medications and improved investigations to predict outcomes, CLL has now become a chronic disease that requires long-term monitoring by haematologists and general practitioners (GPs).