Metastatic cancer or advanced cancer is a stage in which the cancer present in the body has spread to the other parts of the body, which includes the lymph nodes and bones of the primary site. These cancerous cells spread when they enter the lymph system or the blood stream inside the patient’s body. As these cells love to grow inside the new area, they start multiplying themselves and hence spread or metastasis.

Some common places inside the body, where the cancerous cells are observed to spread, excluding the nearby lymph nodes and bones, are the lungs and liver. Sadly, the patient suffering from a metastatic cancer of any kind does not complain of pain or other symptoms in the initial stage, hence it takes time to detect any kind of metastatic cancer. The diagnosis of this type of cancer includes CT scans, MRI scans, PET scans, x-rays and lab tests.

Some of the types of metastatic cancers are fatal, while some are curable using advanced or aggressive options for treatment. The main aim of the treatment for metastatic cancer is to control the growth of cancer cells and relieve the patient from its symptoms as is done in the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer. In some cases, these options also help to shrink the cancer cells, or the patient to enjoy a prolonged life.

The options of treatment for metastatic cancer include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, bisphosphonates and surgery. These therapies can either be given along or in combination with each other. This depends on the type of cancer and the extent to which the cells has undergone metastasis inside the patient’s body.

Radiation Therapy for Metastatic Cancer Treatment

Radiation therapy for treatment for cancer involves the use of radioactive substances or high energy rays to kill the cancerous cells. This therapy can be given externally or internally, depending on the type of cancer. In cases, where it is given externally, the part is exposed to a beam of high energy rays through a machine, while in cases, where it is given internally, radioactive substances, in the form of needles, wires or seeds are inserted inside the patient’s body and kept on or near the affected part. This therapy is used to shrink the cancerous cells, as these cells are sensitive to high energy radiations, and hence are unable to function when exposed to them.

Chemotherapy for Metastatic Cancer Treatment

Chemotherapy involves combination of different drugs to kill the cancerous cells. These drugs are either given intravenously or in the form of pills. As these drugs react with the DNA of the cells, they stop the functioning of the cancerous cells, and eventually kill them. This therapy is given in the form of weekly or daily cycles, depending on the type of cancer the patient is suffering from and the extent to which these cells have spread inside the patient’s body. For example, faslodex chemotherapy is used to treat some types of metastatic breast cancer.

Hormone Therapy for Metastatic Cancer Treatment

In some types of cancer, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone or androgens are responsible for the growth of cancerous cells. In such cases, hormone therapy is given to the patients. This method stops the production of these hormones inside the human body and ensures that the cancerous cells are made devoid of their regular fuel, thus killing them.

Bisphosphonates for Metastatic Cancer Treatment

As metastatic cancerous cells have spread to the bones, there are chances that the patient might suffer from bone fractures and extreme bone pain. Hence, bisphosphonates are given to the patient to prevent these bone fractures and relieve the patient from the bone pain. These are generally given intravenously along with vitamin D and calcium supplements.

Surgery for Metastatic Cancer Treatment

Surgery is not the most commonly opted method for the treatment of metastatic cancer. However, the type of surgery being performed will depend on the type of cancer the patient is suffering from. In most cases, surgery is done to prevent bone fractures, stop bleeding or relieve the patient from the bone pain.

The type of method prescribed for the treatment of metastatic cancer depends on the type of metastatic cancer the patient is suffering from and the extent to which these metastatic cancerous cells have spread inside the body of the patient. Though most of the types of metastatic cancers are known to be fatal, there are cases where the patient has enjoyed a prolonged life. Also, other methods are being researched for finding an effective option of treatment for metastatic cancer.