Answer
What's the difference between remission, cure, and NED?
Remission means signs and symptoms of cancer have decreased or disappeared. NED (no evidence of disease) means tests show no detectable cancer. Cure usually requires being NED for many years and depends on the cancer type. Many cancers are managed long-term without being formally called cured.
Last updated: 2026-07-10 · Reviewed by Cancer Answers OC Care Coordination Team
Partial remission: the tumor has shrunk but not disappeared.
Complete remission or NED: imaging, exams, and labs show no detectable cancer — but microscopic cells may remain.
Cure: typically used when the chance of recurrence drops to near baseline (often 5+ years NED, depending on cancer type).
Chronic cancer: some cancers are managed like high blood pressure — with ongoing treatment, you can live well for many years without cure.