Biomarkers of chronic lymphocytic leukemia and use thereof

A method of predicting or assessing the level of severity of cancer in a patient diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), the method comprising:

• (i) comparing the expression level of at least one protein or mRNA biomarker in a biological sample obtained from the patient to a reference value or a control sample, wherein the at least one biomarker is selected from the group consisting of:
• SNX18, DHRS4, TBL2, RPE, ENPP4, and any combination thereof;
• (ii) determining the level of severity of cancer, wherein an increase in the level of at least one biomarker selected from the group consisting of:
• SNX18, DHRS4, TBL2, RPE and any combination thereof and/or a decrease in the level of ENPP4 characterizes said patient as having a severe form of chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

A kit for the prognosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia state, comprising

• (i) at least one agent capable of detecting the expression level of at least one protein or mRNA biomarker selected from the group consisting of SNX18, DHRS4, TBL2, RPE and ENPP4 in a biological sample;
• (ii) means for comparing the expression level of the at least one biomarker in a sample obtained from a subject suspected to have CLL to a reference value;
• and
• (iii) instruction material directing the correlation between the ratio of the at least one biomarker expression level to the reference level and the severity of the CLL.