About the study

The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential connections between MBL and blood and lymph node disorders (including CLL). To do this, we will collect blood samples from participants at several time points during the length of the study. This will allow us to evaluate if and when MBL develops. If MBL does develop, we will also be able to evaluate the change in MBL characteristics over time.

What are Blood and Lymph Node Disorders?

Blood and lymph node disorders include cancers of the lymphatic system, blood and bone marrow (the spongy tissue inside bones where blood cells are made). In particular, blood and lymphatic cancers are highly complex and vary in their severity. Examples of common blood and lymph node cancers include non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL), Multiple Myeloma, and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL).

According to the National Cancer Institute, over 65,000 people receive a diagnosis of one of these disorders each year in the United States. These disorders most commonly affect older adults; they rarely affect children.

What is Monoclonal B-Cell Lympocytosis (MBL)?

MBL is considered a precursor lesion of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (a type of blood and lymph node disorder). MBL is known to occur in about 3 percent of the general population over the age of 40 years and is very uncommon below the age of 40. Having MBL does not mean that one will get a blood or lymph node cancer. Individuals with MBL have a 1.1 percent increased likelihood of developing a blood or lymph node cancer per year.

Who can participate?

You may be eligible if you are:

• at least 40 years old
• seeing a UF Health provider

What is involved in this study?

As a study participant, we will ask you to:

1. Answer a short questionnaire(approximately 10 minutes tocomplete).
2. Donate approximately 2.5tablespoons of blood at enrollmentand at a 2 year follow up. Blooddonation can take place in one of twoways:
   • During a regular visit at UF Health, or
   • By scheduling an appointment with the research team at the Clinical Research Office.

What are the costs of participation?

Taking part is free, and won't cost you anything more than a little bit of your time completing questionnaires and providing a blood sample. We will provide compensation of $20 at each visit for your time and participation.

Do I have to participate?

No. Taking part in this research study is voluntary. You may decide to stop at any time. Your decision to participate in this study will not affect your regular medical care.

What about my privacy?

Research test results are confidential and are not part of your medical history while being used for research purposes.