Cancer can be categorized by the stage of the disease at diagnosis, which can help determine treatment options. In general, a person’s prognosis, or life expectancy, will be poorer when the disease is at a later stage, as with stage four cancer. However, survival rates vary based on the type of cancer, its location and other factors.
When a doctor diagnoses a patient with stage four cancer, it means that the cancer has spread from its original site to distant parts of the body. It’s also sometimes called advanced or metastatic cancer. The cancer may still be confined to the original site or it may have spread to other organs in the chest, abdomen or elsewhere.
A cancer at stage four has typically grown to a larger size and is likely to be harder to treat. This is why it’s important for patients to get a second opinion from specialists in order to learn more about their options and what to expect.
It is possible for patients with stage 4 cancer to live for years following diagnosis, as long as they are receiving expert care. Typically, treatments are aimed at slowing or stopping the spread of cancer cells, controlling symptoms and complications and improving quality of life.
Some patients with stage four mesothelioma may be eligible to participate in clinical trials involving immunotherapy. These trials may help researchers discover better ways to treat late-stage mesothelioma.
Immunotherapy aims to harness the patient’s natural immune system, including blood proteins that attack tumor cells. In addition to immunotherapy, other types of advanced cancer treatment include cytokinesis-modifying agents and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy, or HIPEC. HIPEC involves bathing the area of the body where the cancer has spread with heated chemotherapy drugs.
When treating a patient with stage 4 mesothelioma, doctors may also focus on palliative or supportive care. This is not hospice, but rather a set of services that aim to improve comfort and quality of life for patients. These can include pain management, breathing and nutrition support.
Being supportive can help a loved one with stage four cancer feel connected and understood. It’s important to listen carefully and speak in an understanding manner, without interruption or interjection. For example, it’s helpful to encourage a loved one to seek mental health support and to join a mesothelioma support group. It’s also important to avoid comparing the cancer patient to other people. Every cancer patient is unique, and comparisons can make them feel down. Instead, try to keep the conversation positive and focused on the future.
