Disease Progression

Disease progression means a disease is getting worse over time, spreading, growing, or causing more symptoms. In cancer, it refers to a tumor growing or spreading despite treatment, or after a period of stability. Doctors track progression with scans, blood tests, and symptoms to guide treatment decisions.

Origin

The concept is basic to clinical medicine and oncology. A standardized way to measure it in cancer, the RECIST criteria for solid tumors, was formalized in 2000 to give consistent definitions of progression across studies and clinics.

Significance in Asbestos Context

For someone with mesothelioma or asbestos-related lung cancer, progression often marks a turning point, prompting a change in treatment or a shift toward comfort-focused care. Documented progression, tumor growth on imaging, more fluid, worsening breathing, records how the illness has advanced. These records matter to a claim because they show the disease's course, its effect on the person's life, and part of the basis for damages. Ask how progression is being measured and what options remain.

Example Sentence

His latest CT scan showed disease progression, so the oncologist discussed switching to a second-line therapy.

Related Terms

RECIST Criteria, Metastasis, Prognosis, Palliative Care, Restaging

Notes

• Ask how progression is being measured and what treatment options remain at each step.
• Keep copies of serial scan reports; they document the disease's course over time.
• Note new or worsening symptoms with dates; this record supports both care and any claim.