With the right information, you can be ready to face relapsed or refractory (R/R) AML

Some adults with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) may experience a relapse at some point in their cancer journey. As common as those experiences are, it can still be hard to find helpful information—and to figure out how to move forward in light of this serious diagnosis.

We want to help you feel ready to talk to your doctor about the next stage of your journey. The information on this website is designed to help you have that conversation. You can learn about FLT3* mutations, which are one cause of R/R AML, jump right into next steps, or refresh yourself on R/R AML basics.

Download a discussion guide now

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“I know that an AML relapse is possible. I want to be ready to face it.”

Quick Definitions

Acute myeloid leukemia, or AML for short, is an aggressive type of blood cancer in which the bone marrow makes unhealthy blood cells. There are different subtypes of AML that are each caused by a unique mutation (or change) in our body’s genes. FLT3 is just one of many mutations that can be present in AML.

When a disease like AML does not improve after previous treatment(s), it is known as refractory. If a disease comes back after a period of improvement, it is known as a relapse.

*FLT3 = FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3

“I know that an AML relapse is possible. I want to be ready to face it.”

With the right information, you can be ready to face relapsed or refractory (R/R) AML

Some adults with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) may experience a relapse at some point in their cancer journey. As common as those experiences are, it can still be hard to find helpful information—and to figure out how to move forward in light of this serious diagnosis.

We want to help you feel ready to talk to your doctor about the next stage of your journey. The information on this website is designed to help you have that conversation. You can learn about FLT3* mutations, which are one cause of R/R AML, jump right into next steps, or refresh yourself on R/R AML basics.

Download a discussion guide now

Download

Quick Definitions

Acute myeloid leukemia, or AML for short, is an aggressive type of blood cancer in which the bone marrow makes unhealthy blood cells. There are different subtypes of AML that are each caused by a unique mutation (or change) in our body’s genes. FLT3 is just one of many mutations that can be present in AML.

When a disease like AML does not improve after previous treatment(s), it is known as refractory. If a disease comes back after a period of improvement, it is known as a relapse.

*FLT3 = FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3

What's  FLT3?
What's Next?
R/R AML Basics

Normal Cell

Mutated Cell

(does not work properly)

Understanding FLT3 Mutations

In order to talk about FLT3 mutations and R/R AML, it’s important to first have a basic understanding of human genetics. This will help to explain how FLT3 mutations happen.

If you’re already familiar with basic genetics, you can skip this section.

Genetics 101

Genes provide the instructions for everything that happens in our bodies, from how we look to how our cells work together to keep us alive.

Genes are made up of long chains of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) that can be arranged in countless ways. These various arrangements act like codes, giving us unique and different characteristics like eye color, hair color, and more.

Sometimes, changes known as mutations happen in our DNA codes. Mutations can instruct our bodies to do harmful things that they otherwise would not—like develop cancer.

AML is caused by harmful mutations in the genes that tell our blood cells how to work. These mutations can occur in several different genes, but approximately one-third of newly diagnosed patients with AML have a mutation in a gene called FLT3.

Next Steps

Getting ready to talk to your doctor

You or your loved one probably had a genetic test for FLT3 mutations and other mutations when first diagnosed with AML. However, it’s important to know that FLT3 mutations can actually develop over time. This means it’s important to get tested at diagnosis and if your AML relapses, because a negative result at diagnosis doesn’t necessarily mean you will still be negative at relapse. Knowing your mutation status may impact the way your healthcare team chooses to treat your AML.

If you’re not sure how to start the conversation, this discussion guide may help you be R/Ready.

Download discussion guide

Next Steps

Getting ready to talk to your doctor

You or your loved one probably had a genetic test for FLT3 mutations and other mutations when first diagnosed with AML. However, it’s important to know that FLT3 mutations can actually develop over time. This means it’s important to get tested at diagnosis and if your AML relapses, because a negative result at diagnosis doesn’t necessarily mean you will still be negative at relapse. Knowing your mutation status may impact the way your healthcare team chooses to treat your AML.

If you’re not sure how to start the conversation, this discussion guide may help you be R/Ready.

Download discussion guide

R/R AML Basics

What is acute myeloid leukemia (AML)?

Acute myeloid leukemia, or AML for short, is an aggressive type of blood cancer. AML primarily affects stem cells, which are responsible for making all of our body’s blood cells.

There are different subtypes of AML that are based on genetic changes in the leukemia cells. Some mutations in AML include FLT3, IDH1, and IDH2. It’s important for you and your care team to know your mutation status in order to determine a treatment plan that is right for you.

What does it mean to relapse or be refractory (R/R) to treatment?

What are some symptoms of AML that I should monitor and report to my doctor?

What does the care team look like for someone with R/R AML?

I or someone I care for has relapsed or refractory AML. What do I do next?

Additional support for people with R/R AML

Additional support for caregivers

I want to learn more about FLT3

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I'm ready to talk to a doctor about FLT3

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