HealthAugust 9, 2026

metastatic

met-uh-STAT-ik

Definition

Referring to cancer that has spread from the site of its primary origin to one or more other parts of the body.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek word metastasis, meaning 'removal' or 'displacement', combining meta- (beyond) and stasis (a standing). It entered English in the 17th century to describe the shift of disease from one location to another.

In the news

In oncology care, the term highlights the need for ePROs to monitor the complex symptoms and quality-of-life challenges faced by patients whose cancer has spread.

Why ePROs Are the Future of Supportive Oncology Care

Read the full article ↗

Targeted Oncology

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