The pathogenesis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma

The pathogenesis of CLL/SLL is complex but appears to follow a two-step model of progression. First, MBL develops as a result of genetic changes, some of which are thought to be the product of an abnormal response to antigenic stimulation. A second event, occurring at random rather than through cumulative damage, results in the accumulation of tumor cells and progression to CLL/SLL. Signs and symptoms are related to the accumulation of functionally incompetent lymphocytes in the bone marrow, lymph nodes, and other organs.