Older adults and their caregivers face many challenges related to chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). CLL is a slow-growing phenomenon and is associated with blood cancers. As a result, additional treatment options have been developed over time. It is now possible for caregivers and patients to engage with healthcare providers and gain a better understanding of CLL.
Understanding Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
Essentially, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) occurs in patients afflicted by cancer and typically impacts patients with rancorous white blood cells. In the past, because of its slow-growing nature, a diagnosis of CLL typically occurred when symptomatic patients underwent routine bloodwork.
Most CLL patients are older adults (60+). As a result, healthcare providers are forced to make decisions that span a multitude of factors, in addition to the diagnosis at hand. Typical symptoms of CLL include fatigue, swelling of one or more lymph nodes, and/or an increased predisposition to infection. Symptoms may not be present during early stages of the disease. As such, a number of healthcare providers may adopt a “watch and wait” mentality.
Every chronic lymphocytic leukemia treatment case is unique. As a result, monitoring is critical because some cases may be stagnant, while others may require a more intensive treatment
approach.
How Treatment Approaches Have Evolved
- In the past, patients have dealt with CLL challenges through the use of chemotherapy. While this option attempts to control the disease, this method often leads to the deterioration of the patient. Because of age-related factors, chemotherapy may not be a viable treatment option.
- In an effort to be of assistance in this capacity, a number of healthcare providers have developed treatment options that focus specifically on the irrefutably targeted cancer cells. In the process, reduce the need to also affect healthy surrounding cells.
- This shift has informed CLL management. Rather than approaching it with a standard rule book, treatment becomes individualized and takes into account the person’s age, health, and associated genetics.
- As medical research progresses, more is learned about disease pathology, enabling more sophisticated management strategies. Choices and options expand for patients.
Current Treatment Options for Older Adults
There are multiple options for patients of all ages. Which options are available depends on the patient’s state and history.
- Most available treatments fall under targeted therapies. By selectively acting on pathways essential to cancer cell survival, the chronic lymphocytic leukemia treatments are usually oral and easier to manage.
- There are also options within the paradigm of Cancer Immunotherapy. This type of management aids the body’s natural immune determination of what is ‘self’ and what is not, in this instance, the cancer cell. This treatment is used in isolation and/or with multiple management options.
- The fulfillment of a specific criterion determines which treatment is instituted, and thus the patient’s state on pre-cana varies widely from one management paradigm to another.
- CLL treatment is the first part of a long journey to manage. To be as safe and effective as possible, patients and caregivers are to be informed by a variety of medical literature.
- The goal of treatment is disease management and symptom control, as determined by a healthcare professional. This paradigm can be shifted, and for compliance-collaborative, we place the art of all pathology on its function.
Key Considerations for Caregivers
- In response to the patient’s progress, caregivers manage the process and provide support for further compliance-collaborative adjustments.
- To act rationally, caregivers must communicate with the patient and/or the attending physician. This is the only point of execution that is clear and fully present as an informed critique.
- Tracking symptoms helps indicate when medical attention should be considered. Even small changes in energy levels, appetite, and behavior should be noted.
- Emotional support from family and friends should also be considered. Having a long-term condition can increase anxiety. It can be very helpful if you have a healthy family and friends.
- Caregivers should not neglect their health while caring for a person with a long-term condition. They should take care of themselves and take breaks as they become more health-conscious.
Managing Side Effects and Daily Life
Regardless of the remedy used, treatment can include fatigue, nausea, and changes in blood counts. Typically, doctors advise how to reduce the side effects and discomfort.
Small changes to a person’s daily activities can help them feel less tired, even if they are sick and tired. Maintaining a balanced, healthy diet, regular exercise, and adequate rest can help a person feel better and provide an effective passive source of activity.
Doing daily activities in accordance with how much the person sick with long-term sickness feels ready to participate. For family and friends, support aids for sick patients are a good source of passive activity, as those who are sick in the long term can participate and receive much-needed support even when they stay. Small changes to a patient’s daily activities can not only help the person feel better but also help the person remain active.
Ongoing Research and Future Directions
Research into Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia is growing. There are many avenues of research into treatment methods and/or their combinations through active clinical trials.
- Research aids indicate which treatments are most helpful for certain patient groups and who is top suited to combine treatments.
- We understand the value of precision medicine. Precision medicine uses genetic information to create patient-specific treatment plans. These plans have the potential for improved patient outcomes, but may not always be realized.
- Clinical research continues to evaluate therapies intended for long-term disease management. The results of these therapies are still being studied, but people are optimistic.
- If appropriate, patients may discuss clinical trial opportunities and discuss the latest care advancements with their doctors. This is a faster avenue to new advanced care, but it is still highly structured.
Conclusion
Treatment for CLL has changed the available options for care for older adults. Access to information and support can help patients participate in care discussions with their healthcare team, including treatment options.