The terminal, or last stage, of cancer is also referred to as stage four. This criteria suggests that the cancer is no longer a local tumor, and that cancer cells have spread, or metastasized, to other areas in the body. The National Cancer Institute notes that the goal of treatment in this stage is geared more towards obtaining and maintaining a comfortable state rather than curing the cancer. The objective is to control the cancer spread by reducing the size of tumors while relieving symptoms.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a group of drugs that are used to shrink cancerous tumors and kill cancer cells. The American Cancer Society defines chemotherapy, or chemo, as a means to keep the cancer localized and to slow the spread, relieve symptoms caused by tumor development and interruption with other organ systems, and prevent tumor growth. Chemotherapy is generally used both before and after radiation therapy treatments.
Radiation
Radiation therapy is a cancer treatment that employs the use of laser-guided radioactive energy beams to break up tumors, kill cancer cells and prevent tumor growth. The Cleveland Clinic recommends daily radiation treatments or the use of an implanted "seed," or temporary to permanent radioactive product placement, in between surgeries and chemotherapy treatments. The beam process is generally delivered over the course of several days to weeks, and the process is not considered invasive.
Surgery
According to the American Cancer Society, surgeries have benefited greatly from the use of fiber optic technology, lasers, radiofrequency, tiny video cameras and special tubing in order to destroy, reduce or remove cancerous cells. In the terminal stage of cancer, the goal of surgery is to reduce or remove tumors that are pressing into other organ systems, becoming large and increasing discomfort, and to prolong this final stage of cancer. Oncological surgeons may also make reparations so that the digestive tract continues to function and allows the individual to take in food and remove waste products.
