Hematological malignancies: Current perspectives on diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are three of the most prevalent hematological malignancies in the United States and require new approaches to reduce the considerable morbidity and possible mortality attributable to them. While CLL has been managed with a watchful-waiting approach in the past, new treatments have recently emerged that may change this paradigm in some patients. The incidence of indolent NHL has risen over the past few decades but has leveled off in recent years. New therapies have been introduced and have the potential to change the currently accepted treatment paradigm for this disease. As more targeted therapies are developed, the treatment options for NHL will continue to expand. The incidence of AML, the most common form of acute leukemia, increases with age. The understanding of AML classification, using techniques such as flow cytometry, cytogenetics, and molecular analysis, is critical to stage the disease, assess prognosis, and develop an appropriate treatment plan.