The short answer
Stable disease means a cancer has neither clearly grown nor clearly shrunk since the last scan. It sits between response and progression, and it is often considered a workable, sometimes reassuring result — a sign that treatment may be holding the cancer in check.
Stable disease means the cancer has not clearly grown or shrunk on scans.
It sits between a response (shrinking) and progression (growing).
It is often a workable and sometimes reassuring result.
It can mean treatment is holding the cancer in check.
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The full explanation.
The short version
When your care team reviews scans during treatment, they often sort the result into a few broad categories. "Stable disease" means the cancer has neither clearly grown nor clearly shrunk since the last check. It sits in the middle — between a response (shrinking) and progression (growing).
Why "not changing" can be good news
At first, "stable" might sound disappointing, because it does not describe improvement. But holding steady can be meaningful. If a cancer was growing and treatment brings it to a standstill, that stall can itself be a sign the treatment is doing something. For many people — especially with advanced cancers — keeping the disease from growing over time is a valued and realistic goal, not a setback.
How it is measured
Stable disease is usually based on comparing the size of the cancer on scans across time. When the measurements have not increased or decreased beyond certain thresholds, the result is labeled stable. Because it depends on measurement, small changes that fall within normal variation are generally counted as stable rather than as growth or shrinkage.
How it relates to other terms
- Response means the cancer shrank.
- Stable disease means it held roughly steady.
- Progression means it grew or spread.
Stable disease is also different from remission, which generally describes signs of cancer decreasing or disappearing. Stable disease is a steady state; remission describes improvement.
What to ask
Because the meaning of "stable" depends on the goal of your treatment, it helps to ask your care team directly: what stable disease means for your plan, whether holding steady is the aim or whether they hoped for shrinkage, whether treatment will continue, and when the next scan is. Their interpretation, alongside how you feel, is what applies to you.
Words to know
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Common questions
▸Is stable disease good or bad?
It is often considered a reasonable, workable result. Stable disease means the cancer has not clearly grown, which can indicate that treatment is keeping it in check. It is not the same as shrinking, but for many people holding steady is a meaningful goal. Your care team can explain what it means for you.
▸What is the difference between stable disease and remission?
Stable disease means the cancer is present but not clearly changing in size. Remission generally means signs of cancer have decreased or disappeared. Stable disease is a steady state; remission describes improvement. The terms are used differently depending on the situation.
▸Does stable disease mean the treatment isn't working?
Not necessarily. Keeping a cancer from growing can itself be a sign that treatment is having an effect. For some cancers, especially advanced ones, stable disease over time is a valued outcome. Your care team can explain the goal of your treatment.
▸How is stable disease measured?
It is usually based on comparing the size of the cancer on scans over time. When measurements have not increased or decreased beyond set thresholds, the result is called stable. Your care team interprets scans alongside how you feel and other results.
Questions to ask your doctor
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