What does a partial response mean?

[LewLew19]

Mum finally recevied her letter from the last appointment. They take weeks to arrive but we were keen to see the good news in black and white. So the letter references a 'good partial response' with reduction in primary and mediastynal lymph. It also referenced mum coughing up blood, but says he didn't think that was disease progression. Is this a great outcome? We're hanging on every word, mum read the letter and seemed quite down, saying it's only a partial response and not the 'significant' reduction the doc mentioned in the appointment.

I know we're very lucky she responded at all, but would anyone shed some light on this 'cancer speak'? I know this letter is written for a doctor to read, so i guess there's no room for plesantries.

Thanks for your advice x

[Denzie]

Doctors are always conservative about what they put in paper. Her doctor would have looked at her CT before your consultation. He based his pronouncement on what he sees from his vantage of having the person in front of him.

Honestly it is excellent that there is a partial response. It’s a better outcome than no changes or progression.

[LewLew19 in reply to Denzie]

Thanks so much. I don’t think it’s ever going to be enough unless it says the cancer has gone! Mum feels much more reassured. She’s really suffered mentally with all of this, the cancer itself doesn’t really affect her day to day but she’s really suffered and lost a lot of confidence which we’re trying to build back up. Your advice means a lot. Thanks x

[JanetteR57 in reply to LewLew19]

I understand how difficult it is to interpret medical letters intended for a clinical audience. I remember the first time I read 'unremarkable' thinking it meant about me but meant there was nothing untoward to report on a scan. There are many many lung cancer patients living with all stages of the condition for many years especially with new treatments although I've met some who are 20+ years out on the traditional treatments. The aim is to have a treatable condition almost chronic but managed in the same way other chronic conditions are managed. things are progressing - but we often write ourselves into the category for whom treatments won't work instead of aiming to be in the survivor category especially if we're feeling down. I'm hoping people will respond who have had partial response will respond to you but also to let you know that for many, the aim is to live with the condition and make the most of every day. I agree with Denzie - a response is better than not having one. good luck.

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Hi,

A partial response is classified as greater than 30% decrease in the size of the tumour. Since your mum's doctor stated it was a significant reduction it may be greater than this. This is great news.

Kind regards,

All the team at the Roy Castle helpline