biochemical recurrence
Rising PSA levels following definitive treatment for prostate cancer without clinical evidence of disease.
Full Definition
Biochemical recurrence refers to the detection of rising prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels following definitive treatment for prostate cancer, occurring before clinical or radiographic evidence of disease recurrence. The definition varies based on primary treatment: PSA ≥0.2 ng/mL on two consecutive measurements after radical prostatectomy, or PSA rise of 2 ng/mL above the nadir after radiation therapy. Biochemical recurrence often precedes clinical recurrence by months to years and triggers evaluation for local versus distant recurrence to guide salvage treatment decisions.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from clinical recurrence; define thresholds when first mentioned.
In Context
- "The patient developed biochemical recurrence 18 months after radical prostatectomy." — Follow-up clinical note
- "Biochemical recurrence prompted evaluation with PSMA-PET imaging." — Treatment planning note