Unmet needs in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia and prospects for patients in the Republic of Moldova

Abstract

Background: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a malignant lymphoproliferative, monoclonal, indolent hemopathy characterized by pathologically increased synthesis of mature but immunologically dysfunctional B lymphocytes. CLL is considered the pathology of the adult with comorbidities, whose average age is 55 years, who is integrated into the work field. Despite advances in the field of medicine, CLL remains an incurable disease, but the use of targeted, personalized therapy with new agents’ conditions not only the increase of life span, but also the quality of life of these patients, ensuring social, family and professional integration. This fact presents a favourable socioeconomic impact, a valuable indicator especially in countries with a low and medium socio-demographic index. The identification of biomarkers and the advent of personalized therapies have transformed the way the disease is treated and changed the lives and quality of life of CLL patients. Conclusions: CLL remains a current medical and socioeconomic problem, and the behaviour of patients with CLL remains a challenge for the health system in the Republic of Moldova. The implementation of cyto-genetic and molecular-biological diagnosis is important for the stratification of patients, the selection of optimal targeted therapy. CLL comorbidity is an independent indicator of treatment response, predisposes to adverse drug effects and reduces the quality of life of CLL patients. The individual approach to the patient with CLL, the administration of therapy according to international guidelines will give patients better chances of survival and a longer plateau of stabilization.

Keywords

• chronic lymphocytic leukemia
• personalized therapy