Refractory disease

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Refractory disease refers to a disease or condition that does not respond to standard treatments. This term is often used in the context of cancer, autoimmune diseases, and infectious diseases.

Definition[edit | edit source]

A refractory disease is defined as a disease or condition that does not respond to treatment. This can be due to a variety of reasons, including the disease's resistance to drugs, the patient's individual characteristics, or the nature of the disease itself.

Causes[edit | edit source]

The causes of refractory diseases can be complex and multifaceted. They can include genetic factors, environmental influences, and the characteristics of the disease itself. For example, some cancer cells can develop resistance to chemotherapy drugs, making the disease refractory.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment for refractory diseases often involves a combination of approaches. This can include the use of alternative treatments, experimental therapies, and palliative care. In some cases, a different type of standard treatment may be effective.

Examples[edit | edit source]

Examples of refractory diseases include certain types of cancer, such as refractory leukemia and refractory lymphoma, as well as certain autoimmune diseases, such as refractory rheumatoid arthritis and refractory lupus.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


Refractory disease Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD