Hairy Cell Leukemia Foundation

The Hairy Cell Leukemia Foundation (HCLF) is the only non-profit organization with a global reach dedicated solely to hairy cell leukemia. HCLF funds research, provides a range of education and support to patients and their families, and convenes the world’s leading HCL experts to promote cooperation and collaboration in the field. The HCLF has developed an international patient data registry to address unanswered questions in HCL. In 2020, HCLF announced a 5-year, up to $10 million research initiative in partnership with the LLS. Through HCL2025 and the patient data registry, the HCLF supports new research to improve understanding of HCL, develop additional therapies, and optimize patient outcomes. 

What is Hairy Cell Leukemia?

Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) is a rare blood cancer that infiltrates the blood marrow, spleen, and other organs. First described in the late 1950s, HCL is characterized by overgrowth of abnormal white blood cells that compromise the production of normal blood cells. HCL is named for the unique hair-like projections on the surface of these blood cancer cells. Approximately 1,000 patients are diagnosed each year in the United States.