Unlike many cancers that form solid tumors and are staged based on size and spread, Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is classified differently. AML is typically described by its current status rather than being assigned a traditional stage. These classifications include:
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Untreated: This is the initial diagnosis before any treatment has been administered.
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Active Disease: This indicates that leukemia cells are present in the bone marrow or blood.
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In Remission: This means that treatment has been successful in reducing the number of leukemia cells to undetectable levels. However, this doesn't necessarily mean the leukemia is cured.
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Measurable Residual Disease (MRD): This refers to the presence of a very small number of leukemia cells detectable only by highly sensitive tests, even when the patient is in remission by standard measures.
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Relapsed (Recurrent): This occurs when leukemia cells reappear after a period of remission.
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Refractory: This describes leukemia that does not respond to initial treatment.
Therefore, instead of stages, doctors use these terms to define the current state of the AML to guide treatment decisions and assess prognosis.
