Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
pathologic complete response
Also written as: pCR — pathologic complete response
Absence of viable tumor cells in the surgical specimen after neoadjuvant therapy.
Full Definition
Pathologic complete response (pCR) is defined as the absence of invasive tumor cells in the primary tumor site and regional lymph nodes following neoadjuvant therapy. This finding on histopathologic examination indicates that the preoperative treatment was highly effective in eliminating cancer cells. pCR is considered a strong prognostic indicator and is associated with improved long-term survival outcomes in many cancer types. The definition may vary slightly between tumor types, with some including or excluding in situ carcinoma.
Usage
Usage note: Abbreviate as pCR in clinical documentation.
In Context
- "Pathologic examination revealed a pathologic complete response with no residual invasive carcinoma." — pathology report
- "The patient achieved pathologic complete response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, indicating excellent prognosis." — oncology follow-up note
Also known as
pCR
complete pathologic response
Contrasted with
pathologic partial response
no response
Don't confuse with
clinical complete response
radiologic complete response