Treatment of relapse
After a relapse, treatment is planned afresh; there are often several options.
01Short answer
02Simple explanation
Topic. treating a relapse.
Ask. Your team will explain your own situation.
Write down. Your questions.
Overview. The article “Relapse: what to know”.
03Scientific explanation
Repeat genetics: a new mutation may open the way to a new targeted medicine.
Early and late relapse can call for different strategies.
04What happens in the body?
Treating a relapse
The choice depends on the type of leukaemia, when the relapse happened, previous treatment and your general health. Options include different chemotherapy, newer targeted medicines, antibodies, CAR-T, a transplant or a clinical trial. The genetics of the leukaemia cells are tested again, because they can change.
In more detail
Repeat genetics: a new mutation may open the way to a new targeted medicine. Early and late relapse can call for different strategies.
The overview
This article goes deep into one subject. For the bigger picture, see “Relapse: what to know”.
05Treating a relapse: the steps
Four steps.
06Options
| Option | When it is considered | See |
|---|---|---|
| Targeted medicine | If a matching mutation exists | “Targeted drugs” |
| CAR-T | In some B-cell leukaemias | “What is CAR-T” |
| Transplant | In suitable cases | “Allogeneic transplant” |
07Key terms
- Refractory
- Not responding to treatment.
- Multidisciplinary meeting
- Specialists discussing together.
08Key points
- Everyone’s plan is individual.
- Write down and bring your questions.
- Report new symptoms early.
- Do not change medicines yourself.
- For food, see “Handwashing: the simplest protection” and “Eggs and dairy: safe choices”.
- Overview: “Relapse: what to know”.
09Frequently asked questions
Can I join a clinical trial?
Ask your team about suitable trials.
Is this the same for everyone?
No; the plan depends on the type of leukaemia and your situation.
Where is the overview?
In the article “Relapse: what to know”.
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.
Can I join a clinical trial?
Is this the same for everyone?
Where is the overview?
12Sources
- National Cancer Institute (NCI). Recurrent Cancer: When Cancer Comes Back
- MedlinePlus. Leukemia
- National Cancer Institute (NCI). CAR T Cells: Engineering Immune Cells to Treat Cancer
- Macmillan Cancer Support. PICC line for chemo
- Macmillan Cancer Support. Implantable ports
- Macmillan Cancer Support. Central lines for chemotherapy and other drugs
- MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Central venous catheter — flushing
- Annals of Oncology, 2015. Central venous access in oncology: ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines
- Clinical Infectious Diseases, 2011. Summary of recommendations: Guidelines for the Prevention of Intravascular Catheter-related Infections
- American Cancer Society. Blood Transfusions