Treatment of metastatic rectal cancer

Bowel cancer may metastasize. The most typical sites of metastases are the liver, lungs, lymph nodes, and abdominal cavity.

Slowing down the disease

We can slow down the progress of rectal cancer and alleviate possible symptoms of the disease. Treatments are constantly being developed, and patient prognoses and treatment outcomes are thereby improving. According to current medical knowledge, it is not possible to cure a metastatic bowel cancer permanently with medication.

Depending on the disease status, we treat metastatic cancer by combining different chemotherapy. We often combine chemotherapy with biological targeted drugs, i.e. targeted drug therapy against cancer. The choice of treatment depends on the biological properties of the cancerous tumor, the extent of the disease, and the objectives of your treatment.  

Radiation therapy in the treatment of metastatic rectal cancer

Radiation therapy is required in case of a symptomatic tumor in the rectal area. We may also subject metastases to radiation therapy in some selected cases.

We evaluate the potential for surgical treatment for every patient with metastatic bowel cancer. It is possible for us to cure some metastatic cancer patients permanently, if it is possible to remove the metastases surgically. Such cases typically involve metastases in the liver, lungs or, in some cases, in the peritoneum.