Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. This type of cancer begins in cells that mature into lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell.
In CLL, the bone marrow overproduces abnormal lymphocytes that do not function as they should. Over time, these abnormal lymphocytes accumulate in the bone marrow and begin crowding out other healthy blood cells.
This process can reduce the number of red blood cells, which may trigger CLL-related anemia.
This article describes CLL and outlines the link between CLL and anemia. It also describes the symptoms of anemia and provides information on diagnosing, treating, and preventing CLL-related anemia.
CLL is a type of cancer that affects cells that mature into lymphocytes. There are
In CLL, the bone marrow overproduces lymphocytes that do not function as they should. Over time, these abnormal lymphocytes crowd out healthy lymphocytes and other types of blood cells. This can lead to various health complications and associated symptoms.
According to the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD), CLL is a disease that progresses slowly. Many people do not need immediate treatment and can be symptom-free for years before requiring any treatment.
CLL is the
Additionally, CLL is twice as common in males than in females.
The
Anemia is a condition of reduced red blood cells (RBCs) or low hemoglobin within these cells. Hemoglobin is a protein that delivers oxygen to the body’s organs and tissues and transports carbon dioxide away from these areas and back to the lungs.
When a person has advanced-stage CLL, the unhealthy lymphocytes outnumber the healthy lymphocytes and other blood cells. If the number of RBCs falls too low, a person will develop anemia.
The side effects of CLL treatment can also lead to anemia. Side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and decreased appetite may make it difficult for a person to consume a well-balanced, iron-rich diet.
This can lead to iron-deficiency anemia, in which the level of iron in the blood is too low to support the production of new RBCs.
Some treatments, such as chemotherapy agents, can also result in anemia due to bone marrow suppression.
CLL affects the immune system in various ways. In roughly a quarter of people with CLL, the immune system cells attack normal RBCs, mistaking them for foreign invaders. This causes a condition called autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AHA).
The condition can be chronic or life-threatening. Further blood tests are essential to identify the cause of the anemia, as doctors treat AHA differently from other conditions.
CLL results from gene mutations within the DNA of blood-producing cells. These mutations trigger the body to produce abnormal lymphocytes, which are ineffective at fighting off infection. They also interfere with the balance of other types of blood cells, including RBCs. A reduction in RBCs may trigger CLL-related anemia.
- the duration of the CLL
- the type and intensity of chemotherapy treatment
- the frequency and severity of infections
People with anemia may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- weakness
- fatigue
- unexplained tiredness
- dizziness
- chest pain
- fast or irregular heartbeat
- shortness of breath
- cold hands and feet
- pale skin
People with CLL require regular health checks so that their medical team can record new symptoms and run additional diagnostic tests if necessary.
If a doctor suspects that a person has anemia, they will perform a physical examination and request a complete blood count (CBC). This blood test assesses the relative numbers of RBCs and other types of blood cells in the sample.
If the doctor suspects AHA, they may request a Coombs test, or direct antiglobulin test (DAT). This test involves isolating the RBCs from a blood sample and incubating them with a substance called Coombs reagent. If the blood cells clump together, then the person tests positive for AHA.
People with anemia symptoms should avoid self-diagnosis and consult their doctor for an accurate medical assessment.
The treatment for CLL-related anemia depends on the ongoing cancer treatment regimen for the CLL and the symptoms and severity of the anemia. Doctors will decide the best course of action on a case-by-case basis.
Two potential treatment options for CLL-related anemia are blood transfusions and drugs called erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs).
Blood transfusions
Some people require blood transfusions to boost their levels of RBCs. However, such transfusions have the potential to transmit infections and cause iron overload in the body.
A person may also experience alloimmunization, which is a potentially fatal
Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs)
According to an older
ESAs are more effective than blood transfusions in treating CLL-related anemia because they help maintain consistent hemoglobin levels.
Anemia is a common occurrence in people with cancer. Due to the nature of CLL and its treatment, it can be difficult to prevent anemia.
However, most people with CLL-related anemia can usually manage the condition if a doctor diagnoses and treats it in its early stages. This is why people with CLL and other types of leukemia require regular checkups.
CLL occurs when the bone marrow overproduces abnormal lymphocytes. Over time, these abnormal lymphocytes accumulate and begin to crowd out healthy blood cells. This can lead to a reduction in the number of RBCs, which may trigger anemia.
With early diagnosis and treatment, it is possible to manage CLL-related anemia.
Treatment aims to increase hemoglobin levels to around 12 g/dl to prevent the risk of complications.
Treatment options include blood transfusions and ESAs. A doctor will evaluate a suitable treatment plan according to the person’s age, medical history, and other ongoing cancer therapies.