Top 10 Commonly Confused Words in Translational Oncology

Top 10 Commonly Confused Words in Translational Oncology 1. Efficacy vs. Effectiveness While both these terms refer to a treatment's ability to produce a desired outcome, they differ in their context. Efficacy is measured in controlled clinical trials, where conditions are ideal. Effectiveness, on the other hand, considers real-world scenarios, where factors like patient compliance and co-morbidities come into play. Understanding this distinction is vital for evaluating a treatment's true impact. 2. Sensitivity vs. Specificity These terms are often used when discussing diagnostic tests. Sensitivity measures a test's ability to correctly identify positive cases, while specificity gauges its accuracy in identifying negative cases. A balance between the two is crucial, as a highly sensitive test may yield false positives, while a highly specific test may miss true positives. 3. Prevalence vs. Incidence When studying diseases, it's essential to differentiate between prevalence and incidence. Prevalence refers to the total number of cases in a population at a given time, providing an overview of disease burden. Incidence, on the other hand, focuses on new cases, giving insights into disease development and risk factors. 4. Prognosis vs. Diagnosis While both these terms relate to a patient's condition, they differ in their scope. Diagnosis involves identifying a disease or condition, often through tests or examinations.