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Questions and answers

Can it be completely cured?

This is the most common and the hardest question. The honest answer: for some people yes, but it depends on the type, the genetics and the response to treatment.

Last updated: ~2 min read
A long, calm road
Figure 1.A long, calm road — Can it be completely cured?

01Short answer

In some types of leukemia and for some patients, the disease does not come back for many years after treatment; when there has been no relapse for a long time, doctors sometimes use the word “cure”. Childhood ALL and APL are among the types with the best results. In chronic types such as CML and CLL, the aim is often to keep the disease under control for many years, and many people live a life close to normal. What is possible for whom can only be said by a doctor who knows your results.

02Simple explanation

Remission means signs of the disease cannot be seen in tests.

When remission lasts many years, doctors sometimes speak of cure, but follow-up continues.

03Scientific explanation

Outlook is shaped by the type of leukemia, the genetic risk group, age, general health and the level of measurable residual disease (MRD).

Statistics describe groups and do not predict one person’s future; new treatments keep changing the results.

04What happens in the body?

Differences by type

In acute leukemias the aim is usually a deep remission with intensive treatment and then keeping it; sometimes a transplant is needed. In chronic leukemias targeted drugs can keep the disease under control for many years; in CML some patients, under close medical supervision, can pause their medicine.

How to handle the numbers

Percentages online are the average result of thousands of people, often reflecting treatment from several years ago. They are not your personal chance. It is better to go through the numbers with your doctor.

Different paths, one light
Figure 2.Different paths, one light

Hope and reality

You can keep hope and know the truth at the same time. Ask your doctor directly: “What is the aim of treatment in my situation?”

Years of follow-up
Figure 3.Years of follow-up — Can it be completely cured?

05From remission to a long life

The stages on the way to a long-term result.

Reach remission — Leukemia cells cannot be seen in tests.1Reach remissionLeukemia cells cannot be seen in tests.
Deepen the response — Residual disease (MRD) falls.2Deepen the responseResidual disease (MRD) falls.
Keep the remission — Consolidation or ongoing treatment.3Keep the remissionConsolidation or ongoing treatment.
Long follow-up — Regular check-ups for years.4Long follow-upRegular check-ups for years.
A clear aimKnowing the aim of treatment brings calm.
A personal assessmentOnly your doctor can judge your chances.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
Differences by typeIn acute leukemias the aim is usually a deep remission with intensive treatment and then keeping it; sometimes a transplant is needed. In chronic leukemias targeted drugs can keep the disease under control for many years; in CML some patients, under close medical supervision, can pause their medicine.
How to handle the numbersPercentages online are the average result of thousands of people, often reflecting treatment from several years ago. They are not your personal chance. It is better to go through the numbers with your doctor.
Hope and realityYou can keep hope and know the truth at the same time. Ask your doctor directly: “What is the aim of treatment in my situation?”

07Key terms

Remission
No signs of the disease in tests.
MRD
Measurable residual disease: a small number of leukemia cells found by very sensitive tests.
Relapse
The disease coming back after remission.

08Key points

  • Long-term remission is possible in some types.
  • In chronic types the aim is often control.
  • Statistics are not a personal forecast.
  • Ask your doctor about the aim of treatment.

09Frequently asked questions

How many years without relapse counts as cured?

It depends on the type, and the doctor answers this for each patient.

Can alternative methods cure leukemia?

No, there are no proven methods of that kind; some can interfere with treatment.

Is it right to hope?

Yes. Many people live long, full lives after treatment.

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 many years without relapse counts as cured?

  2. Can alternative methods cure leukemia?

  3. Is it right to hope?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Leukemia—Patient Version
  2. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Adult Acute Myeloid Leukemia Treatment (PDQ®) – Patient Version
  3. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Adult Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treatment (PDQ®) – Patient Version
  4. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Treatment (PDQ®) – Patient Version
  5. National Cancer Institute (NCI). NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: remission
  6. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Follow-Up Medical Care
  7. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Managing Your Care
  8. Anthony Nolan. Understanding stem cell transplants
  9. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Bleeding and Bruising (Thrombocytopenia) and Cancer Treatment
  10. NHS (UK). Acute myeloid leukaemia
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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