How do you know if chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is in remission?
To determine if CLL is in remission, your doctor will use several tests:
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
A CBC measures your lymphocyte levels and other white blood cells. In remission, these numbers should return to normal ranges.
Blood Chemistry Tests
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How do you know if chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is in remission?
To determine if CLL is in remission, your doctor will use several tests:
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
A CBC measures your lymphocyte levels and other white blood cells. In remission, these numbers should return to normal ranges.
Blood Chemistry Tests
These measure substances like lactate dehydrogenase, a protein released by damaged cells. Lower levels can indicate improvement.
Physical Exam
Your doctor will check your spleen size and examine your lymph nodes and abdomen for any swelling or pain.
Bone Marrow Tests
While not always needed for CLL, bone marrow tests can help measure treatment effectiveness. Remission typically means the bone marrow contains less than 5 percent blast cells.
Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) Testing
MRD testing is a highly sensitive test that can detect even tiny numbers of remaining cancer cells. A negative MRD result (no cancer cells detected) is associated with longer remissions and better outcomes.
Your doctor will use a combination of these tests to determine if you've achieved remission and to monitor your progress over time.
February 11
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