Progressionstilstand

Progressionstilstand is a Danish term used in medical and health contexts to describe a state in which a disease or condition continues to worsen over time despite treatment. It is not a formal diagnostic label, but a descriptive way to convey the trajectory of a condition. The opposite terms are stabilization, where the condition remains unchanged, and regression or remission, where disease activity decreases.

Usage and scope

The term is commonly applied to chronic conditions with variable courses, including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, autoimmune disorders, and organ dysfunction. It is often used in clinical notes, case discussions, and epidemiological descriptions to communicate how a patient’s illness is evolving.

Definition and criteria

There are no universal criteria for declaring a progressionstilstand. In practice, progression may be defined by disease-specific measures such as radiologic changes in imaging, rising or changing biomarkers, worsening clinical symptoms, or declining functional status. The exact thresholds and monitoring methods depend on the disease, the treatment, and the clinical setting.

Clinical implications

Recognizing a progressionstilstand can influence prognosis and drive management decisions, such as modifying therapy, adding supportive or palliative care, or enrolling the patient in clinical trials. Because the term is descriptive rather than codified, explicit criteria should accompany its use to ensure clarity among clinicians and patients.

Etymology

The term combines progression with tilstand, meaning state or condition, reflecting a trajectory of worsening illness. See also disease progression, stabilization, and progression-free survival.