Disease-free survival is defined as time from randomization to the first reucurrence or death.
In oncology studies, some papers reported the disease-free survival, but other papers reported recurrence-free survival.
Do they have the same definitions?
Technically they are the same. Disease- free survival studies notes the time to first documentation of relapse/recurrences mostly for comparing efficacy in trials, and recurrence-free survival studies focuses on the onset of recurrence local/regional or distant after a standard treatment. My first thoughts only !
HI Xingshun Qi,
normally recurrence-free-survival refers to local or regional relapses of the tumor, while the disease-free-period includes also the development of distant metastases. I suggest you to read this interesting article that in materials and methods explains this aspect very well: http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0119105.
best regards
In my scientific research about results of solid tumors treatment I use the term disease-free survival. This means assessing the good general condition and lack of tumor affecting of the patient proved by means of objective investigation for the specified period.
But, often over a period of several years after ending the study, a few patients are diagnosed with a tumor recurrence or distant metastases. Well, the scientific honesty requires a new survey and publishing the new data extending the period of the study.
So, I'm not convinced that it is necessary to substitute the term disease-free survival.
Keep in mind, though, that definitions like this are usually not entirely set in stone, so if it really matters, ask the investigators or statisticians what exact definition they applied, or if you are the author, please include your exact definition when there is any possible doubt.
1. Robert Boer is correct: the most important think is to specify what you included and excluded as events in your survival analysis and HOW you ascertained it (even more important)
2. Please remember that both RelapseFS and DiseaseFS (and also RecurrenceFS) are used ONLY in patients with early disease rendered disease free by surgery/RTX and NEVER in metastatic patients (including complete responders)
3. There is a working group on this issue: the DATECAN initiative (Definition for the Assessment of Time-to-event Endpoints in CANcer trials). In their pubblications you can find everything you need
Thank you Dr.Bruzzi. It was a very useful information.
http://cancerguide.org/endpoints.html
According to the NCI dictionary, Disease-free survival and Relapse-free survival are almost the same.
https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/relapse-free-survival