New sequencing techniques have identified genetic markers that affect prognosis for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), according to an analysis of peer-reviewed articles on clinical and prognostic factors for CLL. Among the researchers’ findings were:

• CLL patients with 17p13.1 deletion respond poorly to chemoimmunotherapy and should be treated differently

• CD38 and ZAP-70 status of mutated cells and unmutated immunoglobulin variable heavy chain gene predict adverse prognosis

• Presence of TP53 and ATM mutations predict worse prognosis, as well as inferior progression-free survival and overall survival

• TP53 mutations predict lower response to chemoimmunotherapy

• NOTCH1 and SF3B1 mutations have worse prognosis

• NOTCH1 mutation predicts lower response to standard chemoimmunotherapy

Citation: Nabhan C, Raca G, Wang L. Predicting prognosis in chronic lymphocytic leukemia in the contemporary era. [published online ahead of print May 7, 2015]. JAMA Oncol. doi:10.1001/jamaoncol.2015.0779.