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Treatment and the treatment process

Relapse

A relapse is the return of leukaemia after remission; it may be found in the blood, the marrow or, rarely, other organs (for example the brain).

Last updated: ~1 min read
A returning tide — Relapse
Figure 1.A returning tide — Relapse

01Short answer

A relapse can show through symptoms (tiredness, bruising, fever), changes in blood tests or a rising MRD. A repeat bone marrow test is often done to confirm it. Timing matters: a late relapse usually responds better than an early one. Treatment options are in article “Treatment of relapse”.

02Simple explanation

Topic. relapse.

Ask. Your team will explain your own situation.

Write down. Your questions.

Overview. The article “Relapse: what to know”.

03Scientific explanation

Molecular relapse: MRD rising before symptoms appear.

Extramedullary relapse: outside the marrow, for example in the central nervous system.

04What happens in the body?

Relapse

A relapse can show through symptoms (tiredness, bruising, fever), changes in blood tests or a rising MRD. A repeat bone marrow test is often done to confirm it. Timing matters: a late relapse usually responds better than an early one. Treatment options are in article “Treatment of relapse”.

In more detail

Molecular relapse: MRD rising before symptoms appear. Extramedullary relapse: outside the marrow, for example in the central nervous system.

A symptoms notebook.
Figure 2.A symptoms notebook.

The overview

This article goes deep into one subject. For the bigger picture, see “Relapse: what to know”.

Illustration: Support — Relapse
Figure 3.Illustration: Support

05Relapse: the steps

Four steps.

Suspicion — Symptom or test.1SuspicionSymptom or test.
Confirmation — Marrow test.2ConfirmationMarrow test.
Genetics — Again.3GeneticsAgain.
Plan — “Treatment of relapse”.4Plan“Treatment of relapse”.

06How it is found

RouteWhat is seenWhat to do
SymptomsTiredness, bruisingTell your team
Blood testBlasts, changesYour team checks
MRDRisingPlan discussion

07Key terms

Relapse
The return of leukaemia.
Extramedullary
Outside the bone marrow.

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

Is a relapse my fault?

No; it is a biological feature of the disease.

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.

  1. Is a relapse my fault?

  2. Is this the same for everyone?

  3. Where is the overview?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Recurrent Cancer: When Cancer Comes Back
  2. MedlinePlus. Leukemia
  3. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Definition of minimal residual disease – NCI Dictionary
  4. MedlinePlus. Central venous catheter - dressing change
  5. MedlinePlus. Intravenous
  6. Resuscitation Council UK. Adult advanced life support guidelines (2025)
  7. MedlinePlus. Deep Vein Thrombosis
  8. Cancer Research UK. Treatment for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML)
  9. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. AML treatment
  10. MedlinePlus. Acute myeloid leukemia
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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