Metastatic colon cancer is cancer of the colon that has spread to the other organs. Common places for colon cancer to spread include the liver, lungs, peritoneum (the lining of the abdomen), or, in women, the ovaries, according to the American Cancer Society. Metastatic colon cancer is also known as Stage IV colon cancer. Following are some treatments for this disease.
Surgery
Since the colon cancer has spread to other areas other than the colon, surgery is highly unlikely to cure the metastatic cancer. To remove the primary tumor in the colon, an operation called a resection and anastomosis may be done. This procedure involves removing the tumor and some tissue surrounding the tumor, and then joining the cut parts of the colon back together. Surgery on the colon may also be done to prevent or manage a blockage in the colon. If there are small tumors on the liver or lungs, it may be possible to remove them, along with the cancer in the colon, to help prolong your life. Sometimes chemotherapy can be given before surgery, to shrink large tumors in order to better remove them. If the cancer has spread to the ovaries or other organs, parts of those organs may be removed, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Radiation Therapy
According to experts at the National Cancer Institute, radiation therapy is used to relieve any symptoms the metastatic colon cancer may be causing, and to improve quality of life. The radiation may shrink the tumors, and if the tumors are causing pain, the radiation will help relieve that discomfort. This is known as palliative therapy, when the goal is comfort and relief, and not cure.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is often used in the treatment of metastatic colon cancer, and may be used prior to surgery, as well as post-surgery. The goal with chemotherapy is to shrink the tumors and control the growth and spread of the cancer. Common drugs used to treat metastatic colon cancer include: bevacizumab, leucovorin, 5-FU, irinotecan, capecitabine, oxaliplatin and cetuximab. Depending on factors like your general health, previous treatments for cancer, and other factors, the specific regimen and combination of drugs may be different than other metastatic colon cancer patients.
