Treatment for metastatic cancer

Treatment for metastatic cancer is usually to keep the cancer under control rather than to cure it. It's possible to live with metastatic cancer for a long time. 

Can metastatic cancer be cured?

Usually it’s not possible to cure metastatic cancer. Treatment aims to:

  • Keep the cancer under control, by shrinking the cancer or slowing its growth.
  • Help you feel better by improving side-effects and symptoms.

Many people live with metastatic cancer and people are living longer now than ever before.

How effective are treatments for metastatic cancer?

Treatments for metastatic cancer are improving all the time. You may be able to access a new treatment by joining a clinical trial. 

Researchers now understand better how many cancers grow and spread. New treatments are being developed all the time and existing therapies are being used in new ways. Clinical trials and research projects are ongoing – aiming to help slow the growth of cancer and prevent it from spreading.

Often there is a range of treatments that your doctor can use, so if one doesn’t work for your cancer, or stops working, there may be another option to try.

 

If your cancer has stopped responding to treatment and continues to grow, treatment can still control the side-effects in many cases and provide you with a much better quality of life, for longer.

Treatment options for metastatic cancer

There is no single treatment for metastatic cancer. The choice of treatment will depend on:

  • Where the cancer started
  • How much it has spread
  • Where it has spread to
  • What treatment you’ve already had
  • Any genetic changes in your cancer cells that might make them respond well to particular treatments
  • Your general health and how well you could tolerate further treatment

The main treatment options are listed below. 

Uses drugs to control cancer cells.Chemotherapy for metastatic cancer aims to slow down or stop the growth of the cancer. The benefits from chemotherapy can sometimes last for years. More about chemotherapy.

Treatments that target cancer cells in different ways to stop or slow down their growth. Read more about targeted therapies.

Drugs used to control cancers that are stimulated to grow by certain hormones. For example,some types of breast cancer and prostate cancer.

Uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. It may be given to shrink large tumours that are causing pain or other problems. Radiotherapy may help if the cancer has spread to your bone, skin, lymph nodes or parts of your brain. It is a localised treatment which means it only treats the area of your body that it is aimed at. More about radiotherapy.

This may be an option if you have a tumour somewhere in the body that is causing significant symptoms and can easily be removed. The surgery may not remove all the cancer from the body, but it can make you feel better if it is causing you pain or discomfort.

Treatment designed to relieve your symptoms and give you the best possible quality of life. For example, palliative radiotherapy can help to relieve some types of pain. Find out more about palliative care.

In the later stages of cancer you are likely to need more support and care. This can be a big worry, especially if you don’t have a big network of friends and family around. Even if you have friends and family you may still feel guilty about being a burden to them. But there are lots of sources of help and support.

Contact the Irish Cancer Society Support Line on 1800 200 700 or visit a Daffodil Centre for advice and information on care and support. You can also email the nurses at supportline@irishcancer.ie

Some people live with metastatic cancer for a long time. You will likely have lots of appointments to see how you are doing and check if you need a different treatment.

Deciding on treatment

There can be a lot to think about when you are making a decision about treatment for metastatic cancer. It can be hard to decide what the right choice is for you, to give you the best results and quality of life.

Questions to ask about metastatic cancer treatment
  • What are my treatment choices?
  • Which treatment do you recommend, and why?
  • What is the aim of the treatment – to cure the cancer, to help me live longer, or to relieve or prevent symptoms of the cancer?
  • What are the chances that the treatment will be helpful? 
  • What side-effects are likely to result from the treatment(s) you recommend? What can I do to help reduce these side-effects?
  • If this treatment doesn’t work or makes me feel sick, what are my other options?
  • Would a second opinion be helpful to me? Where can I get a second opinion before I start treatment?
  • What would happen if I decided I do not want any more treatment?
Tips to help you make a decision

You may feel under pressure to make a decision. You may want more time to think things through. But remember there is always time for you to consider what sort of treatment you want.

Don’t be afraid to ask your doctor or nurse if you need to have anything explained again.

You can also call the Irish Cancer Society Support Line on Freephone 1800 200 700 or visit a Daffodil Centre to talk to one of our cancer nurses.

Some people find it reassuring to have another medical opinion to help decide about treatment. Some people feel uncomfortable asking their specialist for a second opinion, but doctors are used to patients doing this.

Your treating doctor or GP can refer you to another specialist if you feel this would be helpful. It may help you to feel more confident about your decision, knowing that you have looked at all your options. We have more information on getting a second opinion.

Will I get side-effects?

You may get side-effects from your treatment or from the cancer itself. 

If you have any symptoms that are troubling you, let your doctor or nurse know straight away. There are treatments to help with most side-effects and symptoms.

We have more information on coping with side-effects of cancer treatment.

Complementary therapies

Complementary therapies are treatments given along with usual medical treatment. They may help you to cope better with side-effects and if you’re feeling anxious.

Talk to your doctor if you are thinking about using complementary therapies. 

Booklets and publications

The emotional effects of cancer
The emotional effects of cancer
Booklet 57 pages 5.88 MB
This booklet covers how cancer might affect your emotions, what you can do to feel better and where to get professional support.
Cancer and complementary therapies
Cancer and complementary therapies
Booklet 25 pages 2.06 MB
This booklet is for cancer patients to help them understand more about chemotherapy, targeted therapies and immunotherapy.

We're here to help

Our range of free services are here for you

Counselling
We fund professional one-to-one counselling for anyone affected by cancer remotely (over the phone/online) or in person in certain cancer support centres around the country.
Peer Support
Peer Support is a free and confidential phone service connecting people with similar cancer experiences. Our volunteers are trained to provide emotional and practical cancer support.
Eating well and exercise support
Eating well and exercise can help you feel better before, during and after cancer treatment. We can provide information and support on maintaining a healthy diet and being physically active.

Talk to a Cancer Nurse

Support Line

Support Line

Our Cancer Nurses offer confidential advice, support and information for anyone affected by cancer. Call or email supportline@irishcancer.ie. Video calls available. Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm
Support Line
Our Daffodil Centres

Our Daffodil Centres

Our Daffodil Centres in 13 hospitals nationwide are staffed by Cancer Nurses and trained volunteers who provide face-to-face advice, support and information for anyone affected by cancer.
Our Daffodil Centres