The Impact of Comorbid Conditions on Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (A Literature Review)

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia, being the most common type of leukemia in adults, is common in the elderly, which increases the likelihood of comorbid conditions that can significantly affect the tolerability of therapy, the quality of life of patients and survival. Objective. A review of the current literature on the impact of comorbid pathology on treatment outcomes in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, as well as an assessment of the interaction between these conditions. Materials and methods. The analysis was conducted based on existing studies in the PubMed database. The following English language search terms were used: “chronic lymphocytic leukemia” in titles, abstracts and keywords in combination with the following search queries: “comorbid conditions”, “survival”, “clinical outcomes”, “quality of life”, “elderly patients”. The search and selection of literature sources was performed from September to December 2024. Various comorbid diseases and their impact on prognosis, survival, overall health status, and quality of life in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Results. The literature review emphasizes the critical importance of considering comorbidities in the diagnostic and therapeutic process. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia, being the most common type of leukemia in adults, frequently occurs in older individuals, increasing the likelihood of comorbid conditions that can significantly influence survival, treatment tolerability, and patients' quality of life. Numerous studies confirm that the presence of comorbidities such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes adversely affects clinical outcomes. This underscores the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach to managing this category of patients, involving not only hematologists but also cardiologists and endocrinologists. Modern therapeutic methods, including targeted and immunotherapeutic approaches, demonstrate promising results; however, their application requires careful assessment of the patient's functional status and potential comorbidities. The emergence of new drugs also provides patients with the option to choose more comfortable and less toxic treatment alternatives, which can potentially enhance their quality of life. Conclusion. Further research is needed to deepen the understanding of the interactions between chronic lymphocytic leukemia and comorbid conditions and to develop more precise management recommendations tailored to individual patient characteristics. Successful treatment should not be limited to clinical outcomes but also encompass aspects of quality of life, which is an essential priority in contemporary oncology.

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