[The value of time in cancer patients]

In medicine time is one of the main dimensions used in order to assess the efficacy of a cure. In oncology we measure either the advantage obtained with a treatment or the clinical course of a cancer as time intervals or survival benefit. In the last years we can describe life expectancy in many solid tumors following therapy, not only in terms of median survival, but also in terms of 3-5 years survival. Additional life time, that given by novel drugs, is now a real experience in some solid tumors allowing a reflection on its value and meaning in the personal perception of patients as well in an absolute perspective. The concept of time deformation in physics suggests a metaphorical similarity with rediscovery of the authentic sense of life in an increasing number of patients affected by cancer who experience a significant life prolongation.