Leucocyte doubling time is a useful predictor of progression-free survival in XXXX .

@entity1 @entity6444
OBJECTIVE: To assess leucocyte doubling time (LDT) in relation to progression-free survival in @entity1 with @entity6444 ( @entity6444 ). In addition, to define the impact of a second LDT in both untreated and treated @entity1 . DESIGN: Retrospective study of LDT in previously untreated @entity1 with @entity6444 . SUBJECTS AND SETTING: Sixty @entity1 diagnosed over a 13-year period at a county hospital. In forty-five of the 60 @entity1 , an LDT could be defined. These @entity1 were included in the final analysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: LDT below and above 12 months, progression-free and overall survival. RESULTS: @entity1 in Binet stages B and C had a median LDT of 4 months as compared to 26 months in stage A @entity1 (P < 0.01). The projected progression-free survival at 3 years was 24% in @entity1 with an LDT of < 12 months. The corresponding figure for the remaining @entity1 was 68% (P < 0.01). The overall 5-year survival did not differ significantly between @entity1 with an LDT below and above 12 months, respectively. In seven untreated @entity1 , a second LDT could be calculated which was shorter than the first recorded LDT. A second LDT was also identified in five @entity1 post treatment that was consistently shorter than their first LDT. CONCLUSIONS: Measurement of LDT is a simple complement in predicting progression-free survival in @entity1 with @entity6444 . Thus, monitoring of LDT may add to the clinical evaluation and therapeutic decision making for the many elderly @entity1 with this often indolent disease.
