Professional
Technical
IVT
progression-free survival
Time from treatment start until disease progression or death from any cause.
Full Definition
Progression-free survival (PFS) is a key endpoint in cancer clinical trials that measures the length of time from the start of treatment until the disease progresses or the patient dies from any cause, whichever occurs first. PFS is considered a more immediate measure of treatment benefit compared to overall survival, as it captures the time during which patients live without their cancer worsening. This endpoint is particularly valuable in advanced cancer settings where overall survival may be influenced by subsequent treatments.
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenate when used as an adjective. Abbreviate as PFS after first use.
In Context
- "The median progression-free survival was 12.5 months in the experimental arm." — Clinical trial results
- "Progression-free survival showed significant improvement over standard care." — Regulatory submission document
Also known as
PFS
Don't confuse with
overall survival
disease-free survival