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Medical glossary

Consolidation

Consolidation is treatment given after remission is reached. Its aim is to destroy remaining leukaemia cells and lower the risk of relapse.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A patient resting in a hospital bed with an intravenous line in the arm
Figure 1.Consolidation: further courses after remission

01Short answer

Consolidation can involve several courses of chemotherapy, targeted medicines or an allogeneic transplant; the choice depends on the type of leukaemia, genetics and MRD. Between courses it may be possible to stay at home, but care is needed during periods of neutropenia. In ALL, a long maintenance phase follows consolidation.

02Simple explanation

After remission.

Clearing what remains.

Courses or a transplant.

An individual choice.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: consolidation therapy is given to kill cancer cells left after the first treatment.

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

04What happens in the body?

Why it is needed

Cells may remain even in remission.

A field being cleared
Figure 2.A field being cleared.

The choice

Based on risk group and MRD.

Cycles
Figure 3.Cycles — Consolidation

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
Why it is neededCells may remain even in remission.
The choiceBased on risk group and MRD.
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

Intensification
An extra strong phase in some schedules.
Maintenance
Long-term lighter 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

I am in remission: why more treatment?

To deal with hidden remaining cells.

How many courses will there be?

According to your plan; ask your doctor.

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. I am in remission: why more treatment?

  2. How many courses will there be?

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

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: consolidation 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: chronic myelogenous leukemia
  7. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: chronic lymphocytic leukemia
  8. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: fusion gene
  9. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: human leukocyte antigen
  10. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: CAR T-cell therapy
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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