Cancer remission rates
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Cancer Remission Rates: Overview and Key Factors
Remission rates in cancer vary widely depending on cancer type, treatment approach, and patient characteristics. Complete remission (CR) means no detectable evidence of disease, while clinical remission may include both complete and partial responses.
Remission Rates in Hematologic Cancers
Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) Remission Rates
For adults with AML, complete remission rates after induction chemotherapy typically range from 60% to 70%35. A recent study found a CR rate of 61.1% in patients treated with the standard 7+3 induction regimen, with older age linked to lower remission rates. Other sources confirm that remission rates are higher in patients under 60 years old, often exceeding 65%. In elderly patients, the likelihood of achieving remission is influenced by whether aggressive induction therapy is attempted, with higher remission intention rates correlating with better survival outcomes.
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) Remission Rates
In adults, 60% to 80% can achieve complete remission with appropriate induction therapy. In children, ALL is the most common cancer, and while initial remission rates are high, relapse remains a significant challenge. Salvage regimens for relapsed ALL can achieve a 40% CR rate in second or third relapse, but long-term survival after third remission is less than 10%.
Remission Rates in Solid Tumors
Breast Cancer
In breast cancer, combining neoadjuvant chemotherapy with preoperative radiotherapy significantly increases complete remission rates. One study found that only 3% of patients achieved complete remission with chemotherapy alone, compared to 42% when radiotherapy was added. Hormone receptor status and the use of radiotherapy were significant factors in achieving remission.
Ovarian Cancer
For epithelial ovarian cancer, complete remission rates after first-line treatment are around 75% to 76%, with clinical remission rates (including partial responses) close to 89%47. These rates remained stable before and during the COVID-19 pandemic47. However, remission rates can vary by race and ethnicity, with some evidence suggesting lower complete remission rates among Black patients during the pandemic, though sample sizes were small47.
Remission Rates with Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy, especially immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), has improved the chances of achieving complete remission in several solid and hematologic cancers. A large meta-analysis found that patients treated with ICIs, either alone or in combination, had a significantly higher likelihood of complete remission compared to control treatments. The highest odds were seen with combinations of two ICIs. However, complete remission remains uncommon for many patients, even with these advanced therapies.
Conclusion
Cancer remission rates depend on cancer type, treatment regimen, patient age, and other factors such as race and access to aggressive therapy. Hematologic cancers like AML and ALL have well-established remission rates, with age and treatment intensity playing key roles. In solid tumors, combining therapies can improve remission rates, and immunotherapy is increasing the likelihood of complete remission in some cancers. Ongoing research and tailored treatment strategies are essential to further improve remission outcomes across all cancer types.
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