Mednet Logo
HomeHematologyQuestion

Do you use absolute WBC count or doubling time to determine whether to start treatment for early stage CLL?

2
2 Answers
Mednet Member
Mednet Member
Medical Oncology · Brigham and Women's Hospital

In my view, the pace of disease is a more relevant indicator of the need for treatment than any absolute WBC count. Observations over time usually make it clear when treatment is needed. Several studies have shown that early intervention is not associated with improved survival, though it must be ac...

Register or Sign In to see full answer

Mednet Member
Mednet Member
Medical Oncology · University of Miami Health System

There is no absolute WBC count that would meet criteria to start treatment for early stage CLL. While a doubling time of lymphocytes is included in the iwCLL criteria for treatment, a doubling time of the WBC is not. The full iwCLL criteria can be found here.

In practice, the lymphocyte doubling time...

Register or Sign In to see full answer

Do you use absolute WBC count or doubling time to determine whether to start treatment for early stage CLL? | Mednet