Biomarker Resource Center
Leukemia Biomarkers
Reviewed by XpertPatient Medical Advisory · Updated June 2026 · Sources: NCI · ACS · ASCO · NIH/PMC
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What is a biomarker?
A biomarker is a signal your cancer leaves behind. Doctors find these signals in your blood or tumor tissue. The signals tell your doctor important things — like what type of cancer you have and how it is behaving.
Think of it like a clue. Your doctor collects clues from your biomarker test results. Those clues help build a picture of your cancer. That picture helps your doctor and you have a more informed conversation about next steps.
Everyone’s cancer is different — even people with the same type of cancer can have very different results. That is why biomarker testing matters. It helps your care team understand your cancer specifically.
For Leukemia
Why do biomarkers matter in leukemia?
Leukemia is closely tied to specific gene changes. These changes help define what type of leukemia you have. They also give your doctor important information about how your cancer may behave. Genetic testing is a standard part of leukemia diagnosis.
💬 A good question to ask your doctor: Ask your doctor to explain your genetic test results in plain terms. Understanding your specific gene changes is an important part of the leukemia care conversation.
The most important leukemia biomarkers are BCR-ABL1, FLT3, and NPM1. Together they help define your specific leukemia subtype and guide the conversation about which treatment approaches may be most appropriate for your situation.
Patient Poll
Have you had biomarker testing for your leukemia?
The Tests Your Doctor May Order
🔍 Is there a specific gene fusion in your leukemia cells?
BCR-ABL1 is a gene fusion that is commonly associated with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Testing for this fusion is a standard part of CML diagnosis. Ask your doctor what your BCR-ABL1 result means for your specific situation and care.
🔍 Is there a mutation that gives your doctor information about your AML?
FLT3 mutations are found in some acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cases. This finding gives your doctor important information about your cancer. Ask your doctor whether FLT3 testing was done and what your result means for your care.
🔍 Is there a mutation that helps your doctor understand your AML?
NPM1 mutations are found in some AML cases. Like all biomarker results, this gives your doctor important context. Ask your doctor what your NPM1 result means and how it fits into the overall picture of your leukemia.
Watch & Learn
Important: This page is for education only. It is not medical advice. Every patient’s situation is different. Please talk to your doctor or care team about what your biomarker results mean for you specifically.
Common Questions
Leukemia Biomarkers — Your Questions Answered
What is the difference between CML and AML?
CML and AML are different types of leukemia with different gene changes and different care approaches. Ask your doctor to explain exactly which type you have and what that means for your care.
How often will my results be monitored?
In leukemia, biomarker results are often checked regularly over time to see how your cancer is responding. Ask your doctor how often your results will be checked and what you should watch for.
What does it mean if results change over time?
Changes in biomarker results over time give your doctor important information. Ask your doctor to explain any changes and what they mean for your care going forward.
Should I ask about a second opinion?
Many patients find it helpful to get a second opinion after a leukemia diagnosis, especially from a specialist in blood cancers. Ask your doctor or patient navigator for help.
Quick Links
From the Leukemia Cancer Center on XpertPatient
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Visit the Leukemia Center → Full Biomarkers Guide →
