chemorefractory
Describing cancer that shows no response to initial chemotherapy treatment, indicating primary drug resistance.
Full Definition
Chemorefractory refers to malignancies that demonstrate primary resistance to chemotherapy, failing to respond to first-line treatment regimens from the outset. This is distinguished from acquired resistance, where tumors initially respond to treatment but later develop resistance mechanisms. In gynecologic oncology, chemorefractory ovarian cancer carries a particularly poor prognosis and often requires alternative treatment approaches, including experimental therapies or clinical trials. The term is critical for treatment planning and prognostic discussions.
Usage
Usage note: Often confused with platinum-resistant, but chemorefractory is broader and applies to primary resistance to any chemotherapy regimen.
In Context
- "The patient's chemorefractory ovarian cancer showed no reduction in CA-125 levels after three cycles of carboplatin and paclitaxel." — Clinical progress note
- "Given the chemorefractory nature of the disease, enrollment in a clinical trial was recommended." — Multidisciplinary team meeting note