Complete Response — What It Means in Clinical Trials
Plain English Definition
A complete response (CR) means that all detectable signs of disease have disappeared after treatment. Scans show no tumors, and blood markers have returned to normal. A complete response is the best possible outcome, but it does not necessarily mean the disease is cured — regular monitoring continues.
Why It Matters
Achieving a complete response is the best scenario in a trial. Ask what percentage of participants in previous studies achieved CR, and how long those responses lasted.
Example
A trial result might say: "Complete response achieved in 22% of participants, with a median duration of response of 14 months."
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