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OnkoVodič – Rak Dojke Srbija
OnkoVodičRak Dojke Srbija
Step 3

Monitoring therapy effects (every 2–4 months)

Monitoring therapy effects – CT, laboratory, symptom assessment
During treatment for advanced breast cancer, disease progression or control is assessed regularly – usually every 2–4 months. This includes discussion of symptoms, , and (usually ). Based on the findings, the decides whether therapy continues, is adjusted, or is changed.
Frequency of check-ups

Usually every 2–4 months. The interval depends on the type of therapy, location of metastases, and your overall condition.

Laboratory analyses and tumor markers

Blood count, biochemistry + tumor markers (, ). Markers are auxiliary – they are measured continuously, but decisions are not based solely on them.

Imaging

Usually of chest/abdomen/pelvis. If needed, (brain/spine), , or . Goal: compare with previous scan to assess whether the tumor is responding to therapy ().

Assessment of symptoms and quality of life

Discussion about pain, fatigue, appetite, breathing, neurological symptoms, and therapy side effects. Your experience is important for the decision to continue therapy.

How are results interpreted?
The doctor compares with previous findings (e.g., according to criteria): improvement, stable disease, or progression.
What follows after assessment?

If the disease is under control and therapy is well tolerated – it continues. If it progresses or side effects are severe – therapy is changed.

Why CT most often?

provides a good "map" of organs and changes can be precisely compared with previous scans. , , or are added as needed.

Can markers "fluctuate"?

They can. That's why trends over time are observed and always together with scans and symptoms – decisions are not made based on markers alone.

What should I bring to the check-up?

Previous reports and images if you have them, list of medications and since the last check-up, written symptoms (when they started, how they are changing).

When to contact earlier, outside the scheduled appointment?

  • Sudden worsening of pain or new limitation of movement.
  • Difficulty breathing, chest pain, or neurological symptoms.
  • Severe, new, or unusual therapy side effect.

What does "comparing scans" look like?

The and compare the size and number of changes relative to the previous examination (e.g., according to criteria). They look at whether lesions have shrunk, stayed the same, or increased, and whether new ones have appeared.

Decision to continue therapy

If scans and symptoms show improvement or stable condition and therapy is well tolerated – it continues. If there is progression or intolerable side effects, the doctor proposes changing therapy.

Your role at the check-up

  • Honestly say what you have and how much they bother you.
  • Keep a brief note of symptoms between check-ups – helps in assessing trends.
  • Ask questions about findings, next steps, and imaging plan.