What is the most common cause of death in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)?

In Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), the most common cause of death is indeed infections. This is primarily due to the immunosuppressed state that CLL patients experience as a result of the disease and its treatment. CLL is characterized by the accumulation of functionally incompetent lymphocytes, which leads to decreased production and functioning of normal immune cells. This impaired immune response renders patients more susceptible to various infections, including bacterial, viral, and fungal pathogens.

While other factors such as heart failure, bleeding complications, and renal failure can occur in CLL patients, they are not the predominant causes of mortality. The risk of infections is significantly heightened because the malignant lymphocytes do not function effectively to mount an immune response, and chemotherapeutic agents used in treatment can further exacerbate this immunosuppressed state. Consequently, despite advancements in targeted therapies and supportive care, infections remain a leading cause of mortality in this patient population.