Expert Video - What does “complete remission” and “measurable residual disease” mean?

Dr. Sandra Kurtin, an expert on acute myeloid leukemia (AML), explains the terms complete remission and measurable residual disease. Complete remission means that less than 5 percent of blood-forming cells in the bone marrow are blasts. There are no blasts in the blood and the numbers of white cells, red cells and platelets are normal. However, sensitive tests may find some abnormal cells left in the blood or bone marrow, even if they cannot be seen.

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Other Modules:

Understanding AML

Understanding AML-MRC and tAML

Understanding Erythropoiesis

Diagnosing AML, AML-MRC, and tAML

Treatment Failure and Relapse in AML

Maintenance and Continuous Treatment in AML

Animation - Treating AML

Slide Show - Treating AML

Expert Videos

1. What are the main treatment options for AML? What are the goals of each treatment?

2. What are induction and consolidation chemotherapy for AML?

3. What is a stem cell transplant? Who is a candidate for it?

4. What is meant by “targeted therapy” for AML?

5. What can be done to treat AML if it doesn’t go into remission or comes back?

6. What does “complete remission” and “measurable residual disease” mean?

7. What does “hematologic recovery” mean?

8. What is the outlook for patients with AML?

9. What new treatments are in development for AML?

10. How can I choose a clinical trial for AML?

11. What is immunotherapy for AML?

12. If I have AML, what should I watch out for in daily life?

Patient Videos

13. Gayle's story: What has been the biggest challenge for you with your AML?

14. Marcia’s story: What has been the biggest challenge for you with your AML?

15. Mike’s story: What has been the biggest challenge for you with your AML?

16. Thomas' story: What has been the biggest challenge for you with your AML?

17. Gayle’s story: What has been the biggest success for you with your AML?

18. Marcia’s story: What has been the biggest success for you with your AML?

19. Mike's story: What has been the greatest success and greatest treatment challenge with your AML?

20. Thomas' story: What has been the greatest success and greatest treatment challenge with your AML?

This educational activity has been developed by the Myelodysplastic Syndromes Foundation, Inc. and Mechanisms in Medicine Inc.

This activity is supported by educational grants from AbbVie, Acceleron, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene Corporation, Daiichi Sankyo, Jazz Pharmaceuticals and Takeda Oncology.

This website is part of the Animated Patient™ series developed by Mechanisms in Medicine Inc., to provide highly visual formats of learning for patients to improve their understanding, make informed decisions, and partner with their healthcare professionals for optimal outcomes.