residual disease
Remaining tumor tissue found at surgical resection after completion of neoadjuvant therapy, indicating incomplete response to treatment.
Full Definition
Residual disease refers to the presence of viable tumor cells in the breast and/or lymph nodes at the time of definitive surgery following neoadjuvant (preoperative) systemic therapy. The extent of residual disease is an important prognostic factor, with the absence of residual disease (pathological complete response) associated with improved long-term outcomes. Residual disease is quantified using various scoring systems, such as the residual cancer burden (RCB) classification, which incorporates tumor size, cellularity, and lymph node involvement. The assessment requires careful pathological examination to distinguish viable tumor cells from treatment-related changes such as fibrosis, inflammation, and necrosis. The presence and extent of residual disease influences decisions about additional adjuvant therapy and provides valuable prognostic information for patient counseling.
Usage
Usage note: In neoadjuvant context, distinguish from recurrent disease which occurs after a period of remission.
In Context
- "Minimal residual disease was identified in the surgical specimen after neoadjuvant chemotherapy." — Pathology report
- "The extent of residual disease determined the need for additional adjuvant therapy." — Treatment planning discussion