← Back
Treatment and the treatment process

Remission

Remission means the symptoms of leukaemia and the leukaemia cells visible under the microscope have gone.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A calm sea after a storm.
Figure 1.A calm sea after a storm.

01Short answer

For complete remission, blasts in the marrow must be under 5% and blood counts must recover. But more sensitive tests (MRD) can still find a few cells, so treatment often continues after remission. Remission is not the same as "cure", but a long remission is the best path.

02Simple explanation

Topic. remission.

Ask. Your team will explain your own situation.

Write down. Your questions.

Overview. The article “What is remission?”.

03Scientific explanation

Morphological remission: assessed under the microscope.

Deep remission: MRD-negative, no cells found even by the most sensitive test.

04What happens in the body?

Remission

For complete remission, blasts in the marrow must be under 5% and blood counts must recover. But more sensitive tests (MRD) can still find a few cells, so treatment often continues after remission. Remission is not the same as "cure", but a long remission is the best path.

In more detail

Morphological remission: assessed under the microscope. Deep remission: MRD-negative, no cells found even by the most sensitive test.

A clear microscope field.
Figure 2.A clear microscope field.

The overview

This article goes deep into one subject. For the bigger picture, see “What is remission?”.

A lighthouse — Remission
Figure 3.A lighthouse — Remission

05Remission: the steps

Four steps.

Marrow test — After treatment.1Marrow testAfter treatment.
Result — Remission?2ResultRemission?
Continue — Consolidation.3ContinueConsolidation.
Follow-up — Regularly.4Follow-upRegularly.

06Types of remission

TypeHow measuredMeaning
HaematologicalBlood testCounts normal
MorphologicalMicroscopeBlasts under 5%
Molecular / MRDPCR, flow cytometryThe deepest response

07Key terms

Blast
An immature blood cell.
Complete remission
No visible signs of leukaemia.

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: “What is remission?”.

09Frequently asked questions

Does remission mean I am cured?

Not yet; long-term follow-up is needed.

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 “What is remission?”.

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. Does remission mean I am cured?

  2. Is this the same for everyone?

  3. Where is the overview?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Definition of remission – NCI Dictionary
  2. MedlinePlus. Leukemia
  3. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Definition of minimal residual disease – NCI Dictionary
  4. MedlinePlus. Diabetes Type 2
  5. MedlinePlus. Steroids
  6. MedlinePlus. COPD
  7. MedlinePlus. Asthma
  8. MedlinePlus. Liver Diseases
  9. MedlinePlus. Hepatitis B
  10. ICUsteps. Guide to intensive care: when you leave the ICU
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
Last updated: ← Back to the list

Open the interactive site →