Interpreting the rate of survival in carcinoma

Carcinomas originate in one organ, spread away from that site, cannot be accurately staged, and require total ablation for cure. Cure is achieved when all of the tumour is located within the tissue ablated by the method used. The rate of survival indicates the proportion of patients with such localized disease. A comparison of survival rates is not a comparison of therapeutic accomplishments; it is a comparison of the cumulative localization of the tumours in different series. The superior method is that which ablates the primary tumour and the largest amount of surrounding expendable tissue at the earliest time. Selecting the method according to this principle rather than by a comparison of survival rates provides the highest prospect for cure. That is the purpose of treatment.