Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a type of cancer starting in the white blood cells (lymphocytes), which are a major part of the immune system and help the body fight infection. The cancer forms in bone marrow, the spongy tissue inside bones where blood cells are formed. The cancer is able to invade the blood and over time may move to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, liver, and spleen. In this case, "chronic" means the cancer progresses more slowly than "acute" forms of leukemia. However, it also tends to be more difficult to cure. Mainly affecting older adults, CLL is the most common type of leukemia, comprising about one-third of all leukemia cases.
Why UAB
The UAB Medicine Leukemia Clinic utilizes state-of-the-art technology to screen for and treat leukemia. Our physicians are nationally recognized for their expertise and innovation in the field, and our research team is dedicated to improving treatments and, ultimately, finding a cure for these diseases. Because we are part of the O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB’s nationally recognized research programs, our patients may be eligible for medicines and treatments not available at other institutions in the region. Our Comprehensive Cancer Center is nationally recognized as one of the best in the country and is a leader in bone marrow transplantation. UAB Medicine's Bone Marrow Transplant Program is the only one in the state and has achieved a high level of success, even with difficult diagnoses.
A diagnosis of cancer can be stressful for patients, so we provide a nurse navigator to help organize your visit. The program streamlines your introduction to UAB Medicine by arranging for your medical records, setting your appointments, and guiding you through the process. This allows your treatment team to deliver more efficient care.
RELATED SERVICES
CLINICAL TRIALS
UAB is an active participant in research and clinical trials for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. We encourage you to speak to your physician about research and clinical trial options and browse the link below for more information.
View Clinical TrialsMORE INFO
- Supportive Care and Survivorship Clinic
Supportive Care and Survivorship Clinic
The Supportive Care and Survivorship Clinic takes an interdisciplinary approach to caring for patients with serious illnesses, whether they are in active treatment or have completed treatment. Our goal is to help patients fulfill their maximum physical, emotional, spiritual, vocational, and social potential.
The health professionals at the Supportive Care and Survivorship Clinic help patients manage the side effects associated with cancer. Referrals to the Supportive Care and Survivorship Clinic can be made by any treating physician or nurse or by patient self-referral. A broad range of insurance is accepted.
Patient appointment scheduling is flexible and based on patient needs and other concurrent treatments. Clinic sessions are held Wednesday and Friday mornings with palliative care physicians and fellows. A physician assistant is available Monday through Friday.
Our Team
Physicians and physician assistants have special expertise in complex symptom management including depression, anxiety, insomnia, fatigue, loss of appetite, pain syndromes, and others.
Nurses support patients by facilitating the clinic sessions as well as managing communication with patients. They are the front line of patient care.
Physical therapists develop individualized programs for each patient to help with coordination, balance, strength, endurance, flexibility, or range of motion. Counselors are experienced in structuring counseling sessions to meet the specific needs of each person. Individual, couple, and family sessions are available.
Nutritionists have expertise in nutrition for patients with serious illnesses.
Massage therapists are trained in all types of massage, including oncology massage, which is a specialized approach that supports the body's health before, during, and after treatment for cancer.
Our clinic is an active teaching environment with fellows, residents, and students in both medicine and nursing participating in patient care.
Location
The UAB Supportive Care and Survivorship Clinic is located on the 3rd floor of The Kirklin Clinic of UAB Hospital.
Patients can request an appointment online or by calling UAB Healthfinder at 205.934.9999 or 800.822.8816.