Stable disease. What does it mean?

[LewLew19]

Hello, mum has her scan results today, following her last scan where she had a partial response, now the result is stable. Is this positive? I know some people’s cancer treatment shrinks then doesn’t grow... I’m just wondering others experiences.

She’s on keytruda and is coping really well with the treatment. She has it once every 6 weeks. Her treatment hasn’t been delayed or affected by coronavirus which were so grateful.

Obviously we’d love to hear that the cancer is shrinking, but I guess stable is good?

Hope you’re all keeping well.

Thanks for your advice!

[JanetteR57]

That's good news for your mum - 'stable' means it's not growing and appears to be responding to treatment. The tumour is neither growing nor shrinking. Specifically, there was no increase in size of more than 20% nor decrease of more than 30% since the initial baseline measurement.

Many people are told their condition is 'stable' and it can be for a long time.... immunotherapy is still relatively new in treating lung cancer but many respond well hence it now being offered even firstline to some whereas it used to be kept until the other types of treatments had failed.

Scientists are still researching the optimum way for it to be delivered - i.e. its frequency and strength and where given with other types of treatment, in which order they should each be given. This is due to some side effects being quite harsh for some so finding the best dose whilst managing/reducing side effects is important.

The lockdown has changed a number of patients to less frequent treatments but the efficacy is anticipated to be the same.

Good luck to her and you and hope you can find a way to celebrate this news....

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Hello LewLew,

This is good news for your mum, as Jeanette has said it means that there has been no progression of the disease and things are looking stable, the disease is under control. I am very pleased to hear that her treatment has not been interrupted during theses difficult times and that she is tolerating it well.

If you wish to discuss anything you can either email us at [e-mail] or you can call our freephone helpline number on 0800 358 7200

Kind regards

The Roy Castle Support Team

[Denzie]

Stable is super! My doctor told me I was stable for 3 years before telling me that I have no evidence of active disease or NED. Her doctor sounds like a careful, thoughtful physician.

[LewLew19]

Thanks so much for your advice! Mum isn’t one to ask that many questions, she would rather get the appointment over as quickly as possible. Whilst I of course respect her wishes, it does leave her family with a few unanswered questions! Stable is good, we’re so fortunate to have good results and without delay during the pandemic. Thanks again x

[Ollie13]

Hi

I was diagnosed with Lung cancer 3b in 2018 first line keytruda was used. All I can say is it worked for me. A month before my 1st year was up when they change me to 6 week treatment I had a bad reaction and after lengthy discussion with my consultant treatment was stopped. However the GOOD NEWS the cancer had gone from my lymph nodes and lung only thing left was a tumour 19mm in my right lung. The consultant says its stable being managed by the immunotherapy no bigger or smaller. I would have used the words inactive but they are cautious of words. Immunotherapy is known to work after treatment has ceased for how long well it's still early days trial. But I look forward 1 and a half years later I'm still here and feeling optimistic immunotherapy is the way forward for Cancer. Just a shame not everyone is able to use the drug. I wish your mum good luck and health for the future. xx

[LewLew19 in reply to Ollie13]

Thanks so much, it’s so lovely to hear of your positive story it really does mean a lot. I wish you well and long may you stay well! X