What is the Origin of Secondary Failure?

This is a general clinical term used across various medical disciplines, particularly in endocrinology and oncology, to describe a decline in efficacy over time. It necessitates a re-evaluation of the patient's condition and treatment strategy.

What is the Mechanism of Secondary Failure?

The mechanism for secondary failure in hormonal health is typically multifactorial. It can involve the downregulation or desensitization of hormone receptors, the development of antibodies against an exogenous hormone, or the progression of an underlying condition like insulin resistance or autoimmune disease, which compromises the target organ's ability to respond to the therapy.

Secondary Failure ∞ Area

Secondary Failure

Meaning

Secondary failure, in a clinical context, refers to the loss of a previously effective therapeutic response to a specific intervention or treatment regimen. This phenomenon is distinct from primary failure, where a treatment never achieves its intended effect. For hormonal therapies, secondary failure often indicates a progressive underlying disease, the development of tolerance, or a change in the body’s metabolic or immune environment that renders the initial treatment ineffective.