A cure is a permanent resolution of a disease or condition. By contrast, a treatment is a temporary reduction of symptoms and signs to manage a health condition or improve quality of life. The distinction is important to convey accurate information to patients and guide their decisions. It is also critical for advancing medical research, because a clear understanding of the difference between cures and treatments allows researchers to optimize their work in pursuit of breakthrough therapies that could change the lives of people with devastating diseases.
While the word cure can offer hope and optimism to patients, doctors are often hesitant to use it because they do not want to raise unrealistic expectations. This is especially true because the outcomes of many medical conditions are complex, and they depend on a variety of factors, including genetic predispositions, overall health, and lifestyle choices.
In a survey of academic clinicians, we asked them to share how they use the words curable, curative intent, in remission, and no evidence of disease, and to rate their comfort level with telling a patient that they are cured (see Table 1). We found that there was substantial variation among subspecialists, as well as significant independent associations between participants’ demographic characteristics and their answers.
In spring 2024, we implemented the CURE model into a biochemistry course where students performed experiments to determine optimized conditions for transcription and purification, as well as RNA folding and binding assays. Students performed and analyzed the results of these experiments, and were able to draw conclusions and propose new hypotheses that they had designed themselves. In a post-course survey, students were very positive about the experience and felt that it was valuable for their careers.