What diseases can go into remission? Understanding recovery and management

September 24, 2025 •

4 min read

Remission is a medical term that can offer a beacon of hope for many patients, signifying a period where disease symptoms lessen or disappear entirely. In fact, many serious and chronic conditions have documented cases of entering remission, but understanding what this means is crucial for managing expectations and planning for the future. So, what diseases can go into remission?

Quick Summary

Many chronic and life-threatening conditions, including various cancers, autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, and mental health issues such as depression and bipolar disorder, can enter remission. Remission signifies a period of reduced or absent symptoms, which can be partial or complete, though it is not always a cure.

Key Points

Remission isn't a cure: The disappearance of disease symptoms doesn't guarantee the illness is gone forever, though it can last for a very long time.
Many diseases can enter remission: This includes certain cancers, a wide range of autoimmune conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, and various mental health disorders.
Two main types exist: Partial remission signifies significant symptom improvement, while complete remission means all signs of the disease have disappeared, though microscopic cells may remain.
Lifestyle impacts remission: Factors such as diet, exercise, and stress management can play a crucial role in managing conditions like type 2 diabetes and inflammatory bowel disease, and helping maintain remission.
Relapse is a possibility: For many chronic diseases, cycles of remission and relapse are common, requiring ongoing monitoring and treatment.
Support is essential: Living in remission can be emotionally complex, with anxiety and fear of recurrence being common; support groups and therapy can be very helpful.

Understanding remission: More than just a cure

Remission is a medical term for the decrease in or disappearance of signs and symptoms of a disease. While often associated with cancer, the concept applies to many chronic illnesses, from autoimmune diseases to mental health disorders. It is not, however, synonymous with a cure, as a disease in remission can still return, an event known as a relapse. Understanding the different types of remission is key to managing a condition long-term.

Types of remission

There are two primary types of remission that medical professionals discuss:

Partial Remission: This occurs when the signs and symptoms of a disease have significantly decreased in response to treatment, but not all have vanished. For example, a tumor may shrink by more than 50% but not disappear completely. It is a positive step forward, indicating that treatment is working effectively to control the disease.
Complete Remission: This is when all signs and symptoms of the disease have disappeared. All medical tests, such as blood work, scans, and physical exams, show no detectable evidence of the disease. For some cancers, achieving complete remission for five or more years may lead some doctors to consider a patient cured, though this is not a guarantee. Microscopic cancer cells can remain hidden in the body and potentially cause a recurrence much later.

Cancers that can enter remission

While the goal of cancer treatment is often to achieve remission, success rates vary widely depending on the type and stage of cancer.

Hematologic (Blood) Cancers: Many blood cancers, such as Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) and Hodgkin lymphoma, have high rates of achieving complete remission with modern therapies. For instance, children with ALL can see complete remission rates up to 95% shortly after starting therapy.
Testicular Cancer: This type of cancer is known to be highly responsive to treatment, with remission rates exceeding 90% in some cases.
Metastatic Cancers: While more challenging, remission is possible even in some advanced cases, particularly with recent advancements in immunotherapy and targeted agents.

Autoimmune diseases and remission

Autoimmune disorders are characterized by the immune system mistakenly attacking the body's own tissues, often following a cycle of flare-ups and periods of remission.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): Patients with RA can experience significant symptom reduction or complete absence, allowing them to lead normal, active lives during remission.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): Like RA, SLE can go through periods of remission and relapse. Managing these cycles with medical oversight is critical.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease and Ulcerative Colitis are known for their cyclical nature. Diet and other lifestyle interventions are increasingly recognized for their role in helping maintain remission.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS): This condition also features a relapsing-remitting form, where symptoms appear and then fade away, sometimes for long periods.

Mental health disorders and remission

Remission in mental health often refers to a significant decrease in or disappearance of symptoms, allowing for better functioning and quality of life.

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Long-term studies show high cumulative remission rates, although many patients experience a fluctuating course, moving in and out of remission.
Bipolar Disorder: Episodes of mania and depression are separated by periods of remission.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Anxiety Disorders: These can also go into remission, especially with appropriate therapy and support.

Other chronic conditions

Type 2 Diabetes: Remission for type 2 diabetes means achieving and maintaining blood sugar levels below the diabetes threshold without medication. Lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, are crucial for achieving and sustaining this.

The role of lifestyle and medical support

Achieving and maintaining remission is often a collaborative process involving patient commitment and medical guidance. Lifestyle factors, such as diet, exercise, and managing stress, can significantly impact the likelihood and duration of remission, particularly in conditions like type 2 diabetes and IBD. Additionally, ongoing monitoring, and sometimes maintenance therapy, are necessary to prevent relapse.

Remission vs. Cure: A critical comparison

Understanding the difference between remission and a cure is vital for patients and their families. The National Cancer Institute provides valuable information clarifying these distinctions.


Feature	Remission	Cure
Definition	Decrease or disappearance of symptoms; can be temporary.	Total eradication of the disease; never expected to return.
Monitoring	Often requires ongoing tests and check-ups to monitor for recurrence.	Ongoing monitoring is less intense, focusing on long-term health.
Certainty	No guarantee the disease will not return.	Represents complete certainty that the disease is gone.
Timeframe	Can last for months, years, or a lifetime.	Implies a permanent state of health.

Living in remission: The new normal

For many, life in remission brings a mix of relief and anxiety. While symptoms may be gone, the fear of recurrence can be a significant emotional burden. Support groups, therapy, and open communication with healthcare teams are all essential parts of managing this aspect of recovery. Developing a new normal often involves adjusting to changes in one's body and outlook, while focusing on a healthy lifestyle and self-care.

Conclusion

Remission represents a state of control and stability for many diseases, offering hope for a better quality of life. From complex cancers to manageable mental health conditions, the possibility of symptoms fading away is a powerful goal. However, it requires active engagement from the patient, consistent medical oversight, and an understanding that remission is a unique journey, not always a final destination. By staying informed and proactive, individuals can navigate their health with greater confidence and well-being.

For more detailed information on understanding cancer remission and the distinction from a cure, you can consult the National Cancer Institute.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not always. While some doctors may use the term 'cured' if a complete remission lasts for five or more years, it is difficult to be certain that all cancer cells are gone. Microscopic cells can sometimes remain and cause a relapse years later.

For autoimmune diseases, remission is a period of reduced or absent symptoms, while a cure would mean the immune system has permanently stopped its misdirected attack. Since most autoimmune conditions are lifelong, remission is the primary goal, not a cure.

No. You should never stop or alter your medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions, like certain cancers or mental health disorders, may require maintenance therapy to prevent relapse, even during remission.

Spontaneous remission is a very rare and poorly understood phenomenon where a disease unexpectedly improves or disappears without conventional medical treatment. It is not a reliable expectation for managing a disease.

For conditions like type 2 diabetes and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), intensive lifestyle changes including diet and exercise have been shown to help induce and maintain remission. A healthy lifestyle supports overall health and can reduce inflammation.

Yes, it is very common for survivors of serious illnesses to feel anxiety and fear of recurrence, sometimes referred to as 'scanxiety' around checkup times. Seeking support from a therapist or support group can be very beneficial.

While long-lasting remission is possible for many mental health disorders with appropriate treatment, many patients experience a fluctuating course, with symptoms returning over time. However, treatment can help manage these cycles and reduce their severity.