Thursday, January 20, 2011

Is there any chance of getting rid of stage 4 colon cancer

Is there any chance of getting rid of stage 4 colon cancer?
oh and how much will it cost?
Cancer - 3 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Once adenocarcinoma of the colon has spread beyond a surgeon's ability to remove it, it is very unlikely that chemotherapy will provide a cure. Usually we are trying to buy time with systemic chemotherapy agents. As far as the expense - that varies greatly depending on which chemotherapy regimen is chosen by the medical oncologist. Most oncologists are sensitive to cost issues for patients. The oncologist should be explaining expense along with the other side effects vs benefits of trying systemic chemotherapy. From http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_4X_Treatment_by_Stage_of_Colon_Cancer_10.asp?sitearea= Most patients with stage IV cancer will get chemotherapy and/or targeted therapies to control the cancer. The most commonly used regimens include: * FOLFOX (leucovorin [folinic acid], 5-FU, and oxaliplatin) * FOLFIRI (leucovorin, 5-FU, and irinotecan) * CapeOX (capecitabine and oxaliplatin) * any of the above combinations plus either bevacizumab or cetuximab (but not both) * 5-FU and leucovorin, with or without bevacizumab * capecitabine, with or without bevacizumab * FOLFOXIRI (leucovorin, 5-FU, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan) * irinotecan, with or without cetuximab * cetuximab alone * panitumumab alone The choice of regimens may depend on several factors, including any previous treatments you've had and your overall health. If one of these regimens is no longer effective, another may be tried. For advanced cancers, radiation therapy may also be used to help prevent or relieve symptoms such as pain. While it may shrink tumors for a time, it is very unlikely to result in a cure. If your doctor recommends radiation therapy, it is important that you understand the goal of treatment.
2 :
Very sorry to say, there is no cure for colon cancer. All they can do is prolong your life with radiation and chemotherapy. God bless you
3 :
No one gets "rid" of stage 4 cancer. That means it has moved to other areas of the body. In stage 4, the best doctors can do is try to prolong the person's life. It can't be cured. Good luck to you.

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