The prognosis and therapy of chronic lymphocytic leukemia under age 50 years.

Twelve percent of patients with CLL studied by the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) were under age 50 years. Except for clinical stage (more unfavorable presentations), and sex distribution (all but one being male), presenting clinical and laboratory features were identical to the whole population. The response rates and response duration were similar as well. Despite the more advanced stage these patients appear to have a survival advantage over their older counterparts.