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Medical glossary

Induction

Induction is the first and usually most intensive phase of treatment. Its aim is to achieve remission.

Last updated: ~1 min read
An empty hospital bed with medical equipment in a sunlit room
Figure 1.Induction is usually given in hospital

01Short answer

In acute leukaemia, induction is often given in hospital and lasts several weeks. During this time blood counts fall very low, the risk of infection and bleeding is high, and transfusions may be needed. At the end, the bone marrow and MRD are checked. If remission is reached, the next phase is consolidation; if not, your doctor will suggest another approach.

02Simple explanation

The first phase.

The aim is remission.

In hospital.

A check at the end.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: induction therapy is the first treatment given for a 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?

What to expect

Tiredness, infections and transfusions.

The ward
Figure 2.The ward — Induction

Afterwards

A bone marrow test and the next plan.

A milestone
Figure 3.A milestone — Induction

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
What to expectTiredness, infections and transfusions.
AfterwardsA bone marrow test and the next plan.
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

First-line
The first treatment given.
Refractory
Not responding to treatment.
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

How long does induction last?

Usually several weeks; the plan is individual.

When can I go home?

When your counts recover; the team will say.

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. How long does induction last?

  2. When can I go home?

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

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: induction therapy
  2. National Cancer Institute. Adult Acute Myeloid Leukemia Treatment (PDQ®) – Patient Version
  3. National Cancer Institute. Adult Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treatment (PDQ®) – Patient Version
  4. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
  5. National Cancer Institute. Leukemia
  6. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: sepsis
  7. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: infection
  8. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: acute myeloid leukemia
  9. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: acute lymphoblastic leukemia
  10. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: acute promyelocytic leukemia
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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