median survival
The time point at which 50% of patients in a study group remain alive. A key prognostic measure in pediatric hematology-oncology.
Full Definition
Median survival is a statistical measure indicating the time at which half of the patients in a study cohort are expected to be alive and half deceased. In pediatric hematology-oncology research and clinical practice, it is used to describe prognosis for various malignancies and to compare treatment outcomes. Unlike mean survival, median survival is less affected by outliers and provides a more robust measure of central tendency. It is often reported with confidence intervals and may be stratified by risk factors such as age, cytogenetics, or treatment response. Median survival cannot be calculated if more than 50% of patients remain alive at the end of the study period.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from mean survival and 5-year survival rates when editing oncology content.
In Context
- "The median survival for high-risk neuroblastoma was 18 months in this cohort." — research publication
- "Median survival has not been reached due to excellent treatment outcomes." — clinical trial report