The Quiet Beginnings of Leukemia | Tomorrow's Cure Season 4 Episode 7

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia is the most common leukemia in adults, yet its earliest warning sign often hides in plain sight. Monoclonal B cell lymphocytosis, or MBL, affects millions of adults who may never know they carry this precursor to CLL. In this episode of Tomorrow's Cure from Mayo Clinic, host Cathy Wurzer talks with hematologist Dr. Sameer Parikh and researchers Dr. Susan Slager and Dr. Gerald Marti about how MBL was discovered, what it reveals about inherited risk, and why it matters for infections, second cancers and long term health. The conversation explores how large population studies at Mayo Clinic, advanced genomics, and emerging tools like artificial intelligence and liquid biopsy could change when and how CLL is found, monitored and treated. Listeners will also hear candid discussion about ethics, anxiety and watchful waiting, and how Mayo Clinic's PreCure initiative is rethinking cancer prevention clinics for people living with early warning signs in their blood. Visit https://tomorrowscure.com for more information. This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as professional, medical or legal advice. Always consult with a qualified health care provider for any medical advice. The appearance of any guest does not imply an endorsement of them, their employer, or any entity they represent. The views and opinions are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Mayo Clinic. Reference to any product, service or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Mayo Clinic. 0:00 Introduction and AI’s Role in Early CLL Detection 0:26 Understanding Leukemia and Early CLL Risk 1:21 Discovery of MBL and Its Significance 4:45 Why B‑Cells Become Malignant Remains Unclear 6:05 Familial Patterns and Genetic Contributions 8:39 Genetic Testing and Polygenic Risk Scores 13:09 Low‑Count vs High‑Count MBL Explained 17:13 MBL Risks: Infections and Secondary Cancers 20:25 How AI Enhances Genetic and Cellular Analysis 32:41 Future Advances: Microenvironment, Lifestyle, Prevention From Mayo Clinic to your inbox, sign-up for free: https://mayocl.in/3e71zfi Visit Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/appointmen... Like Mayo Clinic on Facebook:   / mayoclinic   Follow Mayo Clinic on Instagram:   / mayoclinic   Follow Mayo Clinic on X, formerly Twitter: https://x.com/MayoClinic Follow Mayo Clinic on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@mayoclinic