This paper reviews the literature to propose guidelines for managing patients with early-intermediate stage chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Clinical and biological parameters are sufficient to identify a cohort of patients with high-risk CLL at diagnosis who will have disease progression: anemia (Hb < 100 g/l) or thrombocytopenia (platelets < 100 G/l), bone marrow infiltration (> 30% lymphocytes), a rapid doubling time (less than 6 months) or lymphocytes above 300 g/L, splenomegaly and massive lymphadenopathy, systemic symptoms, uncontrolled autoimmune complications. Patients without those characteristics have low-risk CLL. In the absence of evidence of survival benefit in low-risk CLL, there is no indication for treatment and patients should be followed up by physical examination and complete blood count once or twice a year.