Treatment for metastatic cancer

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.

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

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.