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Medical glossary

Remission

Remission means the signs of leukaemia have lessened or disappeared after treatment. It is an important stage, but not always the end of treatment.

Last updated: ~1 min read
Misty hills and valleys in soft morning light
Figure 1.Remission: after treatment the signs of disease recede

01Short answer

In complete remission, blasts in the bone marrow are within the normal range, blood counts have recovered and there are no signs of disease. In partial remission the disease has shrunk but remains. Even in remission, a small number of leukaemia cells may remain (MRD), so consolidation or continued treatment is often needed. When leukaemia comes back, this is called relapse.

02Simple explanation

Signs have lessened.

Complete and partial.

MRD is checked.

Treatment may continue.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: remission is a decrease in or disappearance of signs of cancer.

The NCI Dictionary explains cancer terms in plain language; check the exact meaning for your situation with your doctor.

04What happens in the body?

After remission

Consolidation, monitoring and sometimes a transplant.

Balance
Figure 2.Illustration: Balance

Relapse

The disease coming back.

The road continues
Figure 3.The road continues — Remission

Where you will see this word

In test results, discharge letters and conversations with your doctor. Write the word down and ask what it means.

Ask your doctor

The general meaning and the meaning of your own result can differ. The most important question is “What does this mean for me?”

05From an unfamiliar word to a clear answer: four steps

Write it down, look it up, prepare a question, ask.

Write it down — From a result or a conversation.1Write it downFrom a result or a conversation.
Look it up — Learn the plain meaning.2Look it upLearn the plain meaning.
Prepare a question — What does this mean for me?3Prepare a questionWhat does this mean for me?
Ask — Your doctor gives the personal explanation.4AskYour doctor gives the personal explanation.
UnderstandingResults feel less frightening.
ConversationA shared language with your doctor.
SafetyNot drawing conclusions alone.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
After remissionConsolidation, monitoring and sometimes a transplant.
RelapseThe disease coming back.
Where you will see this wordIn test results, discharge letters and conversations with your doctor. Write the word down and ask what it means.
Ask your doctorThe general meaning and the meaning of your own result can differ. The most important question is “What does this mean for me?”

07Key terms

Complete remission
No signs of disease.
Relapse
The return of disease.
Term
A word with a precise medical meaning.
Reference range
The range a laboratory considers normal.

08Key points

  • Learn.
  • Ask your doctor.
  • Write it down.
  • Write the word down.
  • Ask what it means.

09Frequently asked questions

Does remission mean cure?

Not always; your doctor will explain.

Can I stop treatment?

Only according to your doctor's plan.

This word is in my results: should I worry?

The word itself does not mean a serious or mild condition; get the explanation from your doctor.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Does remission mean cure?

  2. Can I stop treatment?

  3. This word is in my results: should I worry?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: remission
  2. National Cancer Institute. Leukemia
  3. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
  4. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: thrombocytopenia
  5. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: leukopenia
  6. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: anemia
  7. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: red blood cell
  8. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: hemoglobin
  9. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: sepsis
  10. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: infection
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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