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What does remission mean in ALL?
Yervand Hakobyan
September 10, 2025
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For World ALL Day 2025, Know ALL spoke to Yervand Hakobyan, Armenian Hematology Association, Yerevan, AM. We asked, What does remission mean in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)?
During this interview, Dr Hakobyan explained that remission is a major milestone in ALL treatment. It means the signs and symptoms of leukemia have decreased or disappeared, but it does not always mean the cancer is completely gone. Reaching remission signals a strong response to treatment, but it also begins a new phase of care focused on maintaining remission and preventing relapse.
There are different types of remission. Complete remission is defined as fewer than 5% leukemia cells in the bone marrow, normal blood counts, and no symptoms.1 However, very small numbers of leukemia cells may remain. Sensitive tests such as flow cytometry are used to detect measurable residual disease (MRD). Being MRD-negative is associated with deeper remission and a lower risk of relapse. Partial remission means the disease has improved but is not fully cleared. After remission, treatment usually continues with consolidation therapy, maintenance therapy, and sometimes stem cell transplant. Ongoing MRD testing and regular follow-up are essential to track progress and prevent relapse.
Dr Hakobyan emphasized that remission is not the end of treatment but the beginning of the next phase and how important it is to continue to maintain physical and mental health and seek support. However, sustained remission offers the best chance of long-term survival and, in some cases, cure.
This educational resource is independently supported by Amgen. All content was developed by SES in collaboration with an expert ambassador group. Funders were allowed no influence on the content of this resource.
References
- National Cancer Institute. Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version. https://www.cancer.gov/types/leukemia/patient/adult-all-treatment-pdq#:~:text=In%20ALL%20in%20remission%2C%20the,than%20in%20the%20bone%20marrow. Updated May 12, 2025. Accessed Aug 28, 2025.
