CLL Support Association - Patient support and education for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia

Welcome to the Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia Support Association (CLLSA), the UK's only charity specifically for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL).

The aim of this site is to be the leading one-stop resource for patients in the UK with CLL and their carers. We aim to provide accurate and up-to-date information on CLL in a patient friendly format. We hope that you find our services of value. Please register for your free membership of the association and we can then keep you informed of the latest information on CLL.

Rituximab; Mabthera.

NICE has approved the use of Rituximab, a monoclonal antibody, in combination chemotherapy for first line treatment of CLL.

The guidance says; ‘Rituximab in combination with fludarabine and cyclophosphamide (FRC) is recommended as an option for the first-line treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia in people for whom fludarabine in combination with cyclophosphamide is considered appropriate.’

And also…….

‘NHS must provide funding and resources for it within 3 months of the guidance being published’... and it was issued on 22^nd July 2009. Read it for yourself at www.nice.org.uk/TA17

19^th January, 2010: The Scottish Medicines commission ruled that Scotland is the first part of the UK to recommend Rituximab with any suitable chemotherapy combinations for CLL patients, not only those having first line treatment but second and subsequent treatments. This improves the patient’s chance of a deeper, longer remission. Practically speaking, it means that patients who are not fit enough to have FCR, a very demanding treatment, may have Rituximab added to the therapy their medical team feel it is appropriate. NICE intends to rule on second and subsequent treatments in April, for the rest of the UK.

Also see Newsletters for advise on Swine Flu and advice for Carers at the new "Carers' Corner".