Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is one of the most common leukaemias in adults. Although extensive data on its pathogenesis and progression have accumulated, the disease remains chronic and incurable. Marked heterogeneity at every stage of CLL development limits the usefulness of routinely applied risk-stratification criteria. Published research suggests that the course of the disease is associated with oxidative stress and an increased frequency of cytogenetic aberrations. However, current evidence is insufficient to establish a causal relationship between these two factors. CLL patients exhibit a distinct antioxidant profile and decreased intracellular reducing potential. Moreover, levels of both early and late oxidative damage products are higher than normal. Concentrations of malondialdehyde and 8-oxo-dG have been reported to correlate with specific FISH-detected chromosomal aberrations. Future studies are needed to determine the extent to which oxidative biomarkers can improve the diagnostic and prognostic performance of routinely used biochemical and cytogenetic indicators in patients with CLL.

Antioxidants, chromosomal aberrations, CLL, mutagenesis, oxidative damage