Although cancer that has metastasized, or stage 4 cancer, is not curable, it can be treated. These options depend on the type of cancer, its severity, and the patient’s wishes, Shatsky says.
“The treatment focus for stage 4 solid cancers is controlling the cancer, prolonging life and controlling symptoms caused by the cancer,” she says.
For example, if a patient has metastatic breast cancer, the provider will treat the cancer that has spread in the same way as the original cancer in the breast. Treatments could include chemotherapy, hormone therapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy.
Doctors call this type of treatment “palliative intent treatment.” The goal is “to control the cancer with the least toxic therapies to maintain quality of life for as long as possible,” she says. The treatment is generally lifelong, because most cancers will start growing again if treatment stops.
It’s possible for patients to live for many years with metastasized cancer. A few types of metastases can be cured, including melanoma and colon cancer.
When evaluating medical information online, Shatsky says to be an informed consumer.
“It’s extremely important to go to evidence-based resources for information on cancer in general, as there is an enormous amount of misinformation about cancer out there,” Shatsky says.
