Cytokines in B-Cell Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

The pleomorphic action of different cytokines in regulating the growth and proliferation of normal B- and T-lymphocyte populations is becoming progressively more apparent. Thus, the possibility that some cytokines, either alone or in variable combination, may play a role in different lymphoproliferative disorders has been increasingly suggested and potential autocrine or paracrine loops hypothesized. Here, we shall discuss some of the known B-cell growth factors which have been postulated to be involved in the hematological progression, clinical course and complications in B-cell lymphocytic leukemia.