Certain factors affect prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options.

Whether there are certain gene changes, such as in TP53 or IGH.

Whether lymphocytes have spread throughout the bone marrow.

Whether the red blood cell and platelet counts are low.

Whether the white blood cell count is increasing quickly.

The stage of the cancer.

The results of certain blood tests, such as the beta-2 microglobulin and lactate dehydrogenase tests.

The patient's age and general health.

How quickly and how low the leukemia cell count drops during treatment.

Whether the CLL gets better with treatment or has recurred (come back).

Whether the CLL progresses to lymphoma or becomes prolymphocytic leukemia.

Whether the patient gets another type of cancer after being diagnosed with CLL.

The red blood cell, white blood cell, and platelet blood counts.

Whether the liver, spleen, or lymph nodes are larger than normal.

The age and health of the patient at the time of diagnosis.

Whether there are signs or symptoms, such as fever, chills, or weight loss.

The response to initial treatment.

Whether the CLL has recurred (come back).