Progression — What It Means in Clinical Trials
Plain English Definition
Progression means your disease is getting worse — for example, a tumor is growing or spreading to new areas. In clinical trials, progression is a key endpoint that triggers important decisions, like stopping the current treatment or switching to a different one.
Why It Matters
If your disease progresses during a trial, the research team will discuss next steps with you. Progression on a trial does not mean all options are exhausted — there may be other trials or treatments available.
Example
A trial protocol might say: "Participants will continue treatment until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity." This means you stay on the drug as long as it is working and you can tolerate it.
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