Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia with 17p deletion: a retrospective analysis of prognostic factors and therapy results

Summary Patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) whose tumour cells harbour a 17p deletion (17p-) are universally considered to have a poor prognosis. The deletion can be detected at diagnosis or during the evolution of the disease, particularly in patients who have received chemotherapy. We sought to evaluate the natural history of patients with 17p- CLL, identify predictive factors within this prognostic subgroup, and evaluate the results of different therapeutic approaches. Data from 294 patients with 17p- CLL followed up at 20 different institutions was retrospectively collected and analysed. Median age was 68 (range 27–98) years at the time of fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis. After 17p- documentation, 52% received treatment, achieving an overall response rate of 50%. Median overall survival was 41 months, and was significantly shorter in patients with elevated beta2-microglobulin concentration (P