Does “remission” mean cancer is completely cured?
Medically reviewed by Prof. Shimon Slavin, MD. Updated: June 2026
Humans like simple answers and stories with happy endings. Unfortunately, reality is not always what we want it to be. Oncology is a prime example of this. Having received an initial diagnosis, patients expect certainty: choosing the most effective method of treatment with precise terms of therapy and a guarantee of a final cure. However, even if treatment is successful, doctors are in no hurry to speak of a complete cure, but use the term “remission” instead. What does it really mean?
Cancer remission: What does this term mean?
When we talk about remission, doctors mean successfully cured oncopathology, which is not diagnosed by modern research methods. For example, in remission, cancer cells cannot be detected using imaging techniques such as CT, MRI, or PET-CT.
Often, a sustained remission can be achieved with traditional treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
If a patient remains in remission for 5 years or more, physicians describe the patient as “cured,” although this does not rule out the risk of future recurrence.
Why is remission not the same as a cure?
Even after a long-lasting remission, some types of cancer may still carry a risk of recurrence. In some cases, individual cancer cells may remain in the body after treatment and could later contribute to renewed tumor growth.
Very small amounts of residual tumor cells may not be detectable with imaging methods. A tumor volume of approximately 1 mm³ may already contain around one million malignant cells. Among these, there may also be cancer stem cells that could contribute to the development of recurrent disease.
Can immunotherapy help prevent recurrence?
Even after remission, some patients may have residual cancer cells that could contribute to recurrence. Addressing these remaining cells, including cancer stem cells that may be resistant to treatment, is one of the goals of post-remission care. Immunotherapy may help address residual disease by targeting remaining cancer cells and supporting the immune system’s ability to recognise and respond to them.
What should I do after achieving cancer remission?
Remission is an important milestone, but it does not always mean that every cancer cell has been eliminated. In some patients, a small number of cancer cells may remain in the body, a condition known as minimal residual disease (MRD). Depending on the type of cancer and previous treatments, additional strategies, including immunotherapy, may be considered to help address residual disease and support long-term disease control. Each case should be assessed individually.
Many patients seek a second opinion after remission to better understand their individual risk of recurrence and whether further treatment strategies should be considered.
Concerned about recurrence after remission?
If you or a family member has achieved remission and would like to better understand the risk of relapse and whether additional treatment approaches may be appropriate, our team can review your case individually.
Request a Remission Review >>
