Lymphocyte count post FCR

[Fowey2009]

Three years ago my husband had FCR which was very effective and he became MRD- (ie complete remission). Everything has been going very well and he is feeling much healthier than he had done for years before FCR (he had 2 years in W&W but had clearly had CLL for years before diagnosis).

Straight after FCR his lymphocyte count was 0.2 (UK counting system). It has been taking a very slow climb back up to normal and finally got within the 'normal' range (1.5 to 4) in March this year. Since then it has continued to climb but is still within the normal range (2.67).

My question is simply, how/when do the lymphocytes know to stop increasing? It would be helpful to hear from anyone who has been at this stage (or Chris, Neil or anyone who may know the technicalities)

(NB not worried, continuing to enjoy life, just intrigued)

Many thanks

Beryl

[Cllcanada Top Poster CURE Hero]

Hi Beryl

With MRD negative, there are very few CLL cells left...it is the best treatment results.

But the cells don't know when to stop and they will continue to increase... but because there were so few CLL cells it could take 10-15 years to reach levels requiring treatment again...

So, over time the absolute lymphocyte count [ALC] will increase, but it will be slow and the portion of good B cells will be greater than CLL cells.

Perhaps others can add to this...

~chris

[Fowey2009 in reply to Cllcanada]

Many thanks Chris - as helpful as always. Beryl