Treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia begins once the generally accepted criteria for initiating treatment are met. These criteria include, among others
- progressive anemia or thrombocytopenia
- a rapid increase in the number of lymphocytes in the blood
- general symptoms such as weight loss, night sweats, or low-grade fever without an infection, and
- symptoms caused by enlarged lymph nodes or the spleen.
We will select the treatment that is right for you as an individual, taking into account the peculiarities of the disease, and the adverse effects and contraindications of various treatments. Your treatment is based on the treatment guidelines of the Finnish Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia group.
When planning treatment, we listen to your views and your chances of committing to the treatments selected. If there is no hurry in starting your treatment, we will also review the selected treatment options in the HUS chronic lymphocytic leukemia tumor group.
Drug therapy for chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia is treated either with long-term oral medication or with various combinations of two medicines as a short-term treatment. You will receive medication as infusions or self-administered tablets.
If necessary, you will be given chemical prophylaxis for infection as a support measure. Sometimes when starting treatment with medication, you may need to spend a short period of time on our inpatient ward for monitoring.
Before starting drug therapy, we will arrange a counseling appointment for you to see a nurse. During your visit, you will receive further information and instructions on the medication used in your treatment.
Updated: 11.08.2026