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Guide for patients and loved ones

The patient roadmap

The leukaemia journey has stages. Knowing where you are makes the next step clearer.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A path through hills
Figure 1.A path through hills

01Short answer

The general map: 1) Suspicion and tests: blood tests, bone marrow and genetic tests. 2) Diagnosis and plan: the type, risk group, treatment choice and time for questions. 3) Treatment: induction and consolidation, and for some types targeted medicines, CAR-T or a transplant; protection from infection and a symptom diary. 4) Remission and recovery: regaining strength and returning to work and daily life. 5) Follow-up: regular check-ups, MRD, late effects and a treatment summary. Everyone’s path is different, and there can be steps back. At every stage the team is with you.

02Simple explanation

Each stage has its own questions.

The path is personal.

03Scientific explanation

In acute leukaemias, treatment usually comes in phases (induction, consolidation, sometimes maintenance); in chronic forms, long-term medicine and monitoring come first.

The follow-up plan after treatment looks for signs of relapse and for late effects.

04What happens in the body?

The start

Tests, diagnosis and plan. Write down questions and build your file.

During treatment

Cycles, tests, infection protection, the fever rule and support.

Stones across a river
Figure 2.Stones across a river

Afterwards

Recovery, follow-up, a treatment summary, emotional support and a new normal life.

Signposts in a forest
Figure 3.Signposts in a forest

05Stages of the path

Four stages.

Diagnosis — The start.1DiagnosisThe start.
Treatment — The cycles.2TreatmentThe cycles.
Recovery — Regaining strength.3RecoveryRegaining strength.
Follow-up — The long road.4Follow-upThe long road.
ClarityYou know where you are.
HopeEvery step is forward.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
The startTests, diagnosis and plan. Write down questions and build your file.
During treatmentCycles, tests, infection protection, the fever rule and support.
AfterwardsRecovery, follow-up, a treatment summary, emotional support and a new normal life.

07Key terms

Induction
The first phase of treatment, aiming for remission.
Consolidation
The phase that strengthens remission.
Follow-up
Regular check-ups after treatment.

08Key points

  • The path comes in stages.
  • Each stage has its questions.
  • There can be steps back.
  • The team is with you.

09Frequently asked questions

Which stage am I at?

Your doctor can say exactly; see the “Where am I now” page.

How long does the path take?

It depends on the type and plan; ask 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. Which stage am I at?

  2. How long does the path take?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Leukemia—Patient Version
  2. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Survivorship: During and After Treatment
  3. National Cancer Institute (NCI). NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: remission
  4. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Side Effects of Cancer Treatment
  5. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: absolute neutrophil count
  6. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Support for Families When Someone Has Cancer
  7. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Bleeding and Bruising (Thrombocytopenia) and Cancer Treatment
  8. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Adjusting to Cancer
  9. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Managing Costs and Medical Information
  10. American Cancer Society. Neutropenia (Low White Blood Cell Counts)
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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