How Doctors Measure Success
Doctors judge whether a MEK inhibitor is working in two main ways: by measuring the tumor on MRI scans and by asking how you’re feeling, including your pain and how well you can move and function, says Giglio.
Tumor Volume
Because tumors take months to start shrinking, an MRI about every six months is reasonable, though there’s no hard-and-fast rule, says Brown. “If we scan too early and don’t see a change yet, patients can get discouraged,” she says.
Function and Quality of Life
Outside major academic centers, those questionnaires are rarely part of everyday care, says Brown. Instead, tracking quality of life usually comes down to conversations with your care team, she says.
“Those conversations are different for every patient. Quality of life may involve pain, strength, appearance, vision, swallowing, or even the way your clothes fit,” says Brown.
“It helps to have one goal in mind when you start treatment, whether that’s less pain, walking without a cane, or being able to use an affected arm or leg more easily,” she says.
For some people, success means a tumor that stops growing, or feeling less anxious, which translates to a better quality of life, says Brown.
