Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia: an overview of aetiology in light of recent developments in classification and pathogenesis.
Authors
Linet-MS; Schubauer-Berigan-MK; Weisenburger-DD; Richardson-DB; Landgren-O; Blair-A; Silver-S; Field-RW; Caldwell-G; Hatch-M; Dores-GM
Source
Br J Haematol 2007 Dec; 139(5):672-686
Abstract
This overview of the epidemiology of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) summarizes the evolution of classification and coding systems and describes the intersection of pathogenesis and aetiology. The role of the putative precursor to CLL, monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL), is considered, and ideas for future investigations of the MBL-CLL relationship are outlined. We discuss the epidemiology of CLL, focusing on descriptive patterns and methodological considerations. Postulated risk factors are reviewed including the role of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, occupational and environmental chemical exposures, medical conditions and treatments, and lifestyle and genetic factors. We conclude by raising key questions that need to be addressed to advance our understanding of CLL aetiology. Recommendations for future epidemiological studies are given, including the standardization of reporting of CLL across cancer registries, the clarification of the natural history of MBL, and the circumvention of the methodological shortcomings of prior epidemiological investigations in relation to radiation, chemical exposures and infectious agents.
Keywords
Pathogenicity; Lymphatic-system-disorders; Lymphatic-cancer; Leukemogenesis; Epidemiology; Risk-factors; Risk-analysis; Radiation-effects; Radiation-exposure; Genes; Genetics; Cancer-rates; Chemical-properties; Chemical-hypersensitivity; Chemical-synthesis; Chemoreceptors; Radiation; Radiation-effects; Radiation-hazards; Radiation-levels; Radiation-measurement; Radiation-monitoring; Infectious-diseases
Contact
Martha S. Linet, NCI, DCEG, REB; 6120 Executive Blvd. EPS Room 7048, Bethesda, MD 20892-7238
Document Type
Journal Article
Email Address
linetm@mail.nih.gov
Identifying No.
Grant-Number-T42-OH-008491
Source Name
British Journal of Haematology
State
IA; MD; OH; NE; KY; NC
Performing Organization
University of Iowa
