Kurativ

Kurativ is an adjective used in medicine, notably in German and Turkish, to describe therapies, interventions, or aims directed at curing a disease rather than merely alleviating symptoms. In clinical practice, a kurativ approach seeks complete eradication of disease or long-term disease-free survival, when this outcome is feasible. This contrasts with palliative care, which focuses on symptom relief, quality of life, and comfort when a cure is not attainable, and with supportive care, which addresses general health needs without a direct curative aim.

In oncology and surgery, kurativ intent guides decision-making about procedures, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or combinations intended to achieve remission or cure. The likelihood of a kurativ outcome depends on disease stage, tumor biology, patient health, and available treatments. Treatments labeled kurativ often carry greater anticipated risk and burden, justified by the potential for permanent disease control.

Linguistically, kurativ corresponds to the English curative. Variants appear in other languages, such as Turkish küratif and Dutch curatief, reflecting shared Latin roots. When used in clinical documentation or guidelines, the term is typically paired with qualification such as kurativ intent or kurativ Behandlung to distinguish it from palliative or non-curative strategies.

See also: curative, curative treatment, palliative care, curative intent.