Remission

Remission refers to a state in which the signs and symptoms of a disease have decreased significantly or disappeared entirely. The term is used most commonly in oncology and in the management of chronic autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.

In oncology: Complete remission (CR) means no detectable cancer remains on imaging, blood tests, and clinical examination. Partial remission (PR) means the cancer has reduced by at least 50% in size. Minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity — the most sensitive measure — indicates no detectable cancer cells even by molecular techniques. Remission does not necessarily mean cure — some cancers can recur after complete remission, which is why surveillance is continued. Cure implies no evidence of disease recurrence beyond a disease-specific time threshold.

In autoimmune disease (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, IBD): remission means the disease activity score falls below a defined threshold — absence of active joint inflammation, normal inflammatory markers, no flares. Clinical remission may coexist with subclinical inflammation detectable on imaging or biopsy. Sustained remission allows gradual dose reduction of immunosuppressive therapy in selected patients. In Korea, National Cancer Center oncologists and hospital rheumatology teams use standardised disease activity measures to define and monitor remission.