disease-free survival
The period from treatment completion until cancer recurrence, development of a new primary cancer, or death from any cause.
Full Definition
Disease-free survival (DFS) is a key endpoint in breast cancer clinical trials and prognostic assessments, defined as the time from completion of primary treatment until the first occurrence of disease recurrence (local, regional, or distant), development of a second primary cancer, or death from any cause, whichever occurs first. This measure provides important information about treatment effectiveness and long-term outcomes. DFS differs from overall survival in that it captures cancer recurrence events even when they don't immediately result in death. In breast cancer studies, DFS is often reported at specific time points (such as 5-year or 10-year DFS) and is used to compare different treatment strategies. The measurement helps clinicians counsel patients about prognosis and make treatment recommendations based on the likelihood of remaining disease-free with various therapeutic approaches.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as DFS; distinguish from overall survival which only counts death as an endpoint.
In Context
- "The five-year disease-free survival rate was 87% in the adjuvant chemotherapy group." — Clinical trial publication
- "Her excellent disease-free survival at two years post-treatment was encouraging." — Follow-up clinic note