biochemical remission
Normalization of hormone levels or tumor markers following treatment of endocrine tumors.
Full Definition
Biochemical remission represents the successful reduction of pathologically elevated hormones or biomarkers to normal reference ranges following surgical or medical treatment of endocrine neoplasms. This endpoint is distinct from anatomical remission and may precede or follow radiological evidence of tumor response. In functional neuroendocrine tumors, biochemical remission correlates with symptomatic improvement and is often used as a surrogate marker for treatment efficacy. Long-term biochemical remission is associated with improved overall survival in many endocrine malignancies.
Usage
Usage note: Specify which biomarkers normalized and their timeframe, as different hormones have varying half-lives.
In Context
- "Biochemical remission was achieved with normalization of 5-HIAA levels within three months of octreotide therapy." — Treatment response assessment
- "Despite radiological persistence, the patient maintained biochemical remission throughout the follow-up period." — Surveillance report