As treatment for CML is completed (such as after a successful stem cell/bone marrow transplantation) or continues long-term (such as treatment with targeted therapy), talk with your doctor about developing a follow-up care plan. This plan may include regular physical examinations and/or medical tests to monitor your recovery for the coming months and years.

ASCO offers treatment summary forms to help keep track of the cancer treatment you received and develop a survivorship care plan.

People treated for CML and in remission should receive lifelong follow-up examinations on a regular basis to watch for signs or symptoms of recurrence or late effects. People treated for CML are encouraged to follow established recommendations for good health, such as not smoking, eating a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and receiving appropriate screening for other types of cancer. Learn more about the next steps to take in survivorship, including making positive lifestyle changes.

For many patients, targeted therapy, such as imatinib, dasatinib, and nilotinib, is an ongoing cancer treatment. Any decision to discontinue these drugs should be decided by a patient and doctor together, based these how well the drug continues to work and the side effects.

Find out more about common terms used after cancer treatment is complete.