In individuals with CLL, higher levels of ZAP-70 is associated with a higher number of malignant B cells activated. Increased expression of ZAP-70 in B cell malignancies is correlated with increased association between malignant B cells and the immune environment, suggesting a complex role for ZAP-70 in B cell signaling. Due to ZAP-70's relationship with B cell malignancies, ZAP-70 can be used as a prognostic biomarker in identifying different forms of CLL. DNA analysis has distinguished two major types of CLL, with different survival times. CLL that is positive for the marker ZAP-70 has an average survival of 8 years. CLL that is negative for ZAP-70 has an average survival of more than 25 years. Many patients, especially older ones, with slowly progressing disease can be reassured and may not need any treatment in their lifetimes.