pseudoprogression
Pronunciation: /ˌsuːdoʊprəˈɡrɛʃən/
Treatment-related imaging changes that mimic tumor progression but represent therapy response, crucial for accurate trial reporting.
Full Definition
Pseudoprogression is a phenomenon observed in brain tumor patients where imaging shows apparent tumor enlargement or new enhancing lesions that actually represent treatment-related changes rather than true disease progression. This occurs most commonly within the first 12 weeks after completion of chemoradiotherapy and can lead to misinterpretation of treatment efficacy. Editors must understand the temporal relationship to treatment, the imaging characteristics, and the impact on clinical trial endpoints when reviewing neuro-oncology literature.
Usage
Usage note: May be written with or without hyphen; specify timing relative to treatment completion when clinically relevant.
In Context
- "The apparent tumor enlargement at 8 weeks was later confirmed to be pseudoprogression rather than treatment failure." — Case report documentation
- "Advanced imaging techniques including perfusion MRI can help distinguish pseudoprogression from true progression." — Radiology review article