What is Relapsed & Refractory AML?

What is Relapsed and Refractory AML? 

Relapsed AML means that the disease has returned after a period of remission. Blood counts may be abnormal again. At this time, a discussion about treatment options to try to get the disease back into remission may be warranted. 

Refractory AML means that the disease has not gone away and has not responded to two cycles of chemotherapy. AML patients who are progressing while on therapy are considered "refractory" to their treatment. 

Facts about AML Relapse 

• Despite significant advancements in AML drug therapy over the past five years, relapse affects about 50% of all AML patients. 
• Relapse may occur several months to years after an initial remission; however, most relapses occur within two years of initial treatment.
• The signs and symptoms of relapse are similar to those present at the original disease onset. 
• A relapse diagnosis will most often be obtained using the same tests that were used to establish the original diagnosis.

What’s Next After Relapsed/Refractory AML? 

If your AML has relapsed, the goal is to achieve another remission. You may receive treatment to prevent AML cells from spreading to the spine or brain. If you are considering a blood stem cell transplant (HCT), this would be the time to start searching for a stem cell donor. 

If your AML is refractory and has not responded to treatment, you should receive genetic testing to determine your AML type such as IDH1, IDH2, and FLT3 mutations. Finding your AML type will help you determine the next treatment steps. 

Per the NCCN AML patient guidelines, treatment options for relapsed/refractory AML include: 

• Clinical trial (strongly preferred)
• Targeted therapy or chemotherapy followed by a stem cell transplant 
• Repeat the initial successful induction regimen if it's been 12 months or more since the induction regimen
• Best supportive care
• Standard treatment approaches that you have not had before (for example, azacitidine with venetoclax)

Based on your AML type, targeted therapy options for relapsed/refractory AML include: 

(Image Source: NCCN AML Patient Guidelines) 

Learn More About Relapsed & Refractory AML from Experts 

Check out HealthTree University to continue learning about relapsed and refractory AML by clicking on the button below. You will find answers to crucial questions such as: 

• If remission rates are high in AML, why are many patients not cured?
• How do I know what my risk of AML relapse is? 
• What are the strategies for AML patients who have relapsed? 
• If I relapse, is the previous treatment given again, or should I consider a new therapy? 

Watch the Relapsed & Refractory AML HealthTree University Unit

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Sources:

• Relapse in Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML)
• NCCN AML Patient Guidelines