Prognosis for CLL
After you’ve been diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), you may want to know more about your prognosis (what may happen in the future).
CLL is a type of blood cancer that isn’t usually cured, but there’s a range of treatment options that can keep it under control in the long term.
What to expect
Generally speaking, CLL progresses very slowly. It might progress more quickly in some people, who may need treating earlier. Other people don’t need treatment for some time after they’re diagnosed, and some may never need treatment. This is called active monitoring, or watch and wait.
Doctors will do tests to understand more about your individual prognosis. Your test results, along with any other conditions you have and your general level of fitness, will also help them decide what treatment to recommend and when to have it.
It’s important to remember that your prognosis is unique to you. You might have a different prognosis to someone else you know with the same condition, and your prognosis could also change over time.
Many people with CLL carry on with their lives as normal – working, travelling, socialising, pursuing their hobbies – with a few restrictions or adjustments. Speak to your hospital team about your own situation, and don’t be afraid to ask them any questions you have about prognosis.
"While CLL is still incurable, researchers have made great progress and, for the first time, many experts are talking about the possibility of finding a cure in the future."
David, living with CLL since 1997
Read David's story about being treated on a clinical trial
Speak to your hospital team
We have more general information about things that might affect your prognosis, but everyone is different. If you want to know about your personal prognosis, your hospital team or GP are the best people to ask. They know you and your individual situation.
Worried or have questions about prognosis?
We can talk you through it and support you to have conversations with your doctor.