In this exciting feature, Carlo Croce, MD, from Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, provides an overview of the history of advancements in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) research. Prof. Croce delivers insights into the discovery of the genetic mechanisms and targets of CLL, including his group’s identification of BCL2 and the role of two microRNAs in the pathogenesis of CLL. He explains the advances in CLL in terms of drug therapies that have been able to target the BCL2 gene, which have revolutionized the treatment of CLL patients. This feature was recorded at the International Workshop on Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (iwCLL) 2017, held in New York, NY.