10 Dec, 2025
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10 Dec, 2025
This article is medically reviewed by Dr. Sanketh Kotne, Consultant - Medical Oncology, HCG Cancer Centre, Visakhapatnam.
Metastatic cancer, also known as advanced cancer, occurs when malignant cells from the primary tumor spread to distant organs in the body. This process of cancer spreading is called metastasis. Cancer cells detach from the primary tumor and travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to organs such as the liver, bones, or lungs.
The metastatic tumor contains cells that resemble those of the primary cancer, a feature that helps oncologists determine the cancer’s origin.
Metastatic cancer differs from the primary tumor mainly in its location, and its presence usually indicates an advanced stage of disease. Metastasis involves complex biological behaviors, including the ability of malignant cells to migrate, invade surrounding tissues, survive immune surveillance while in circulation, and adapt to the microenvironment of the new organ.
Metastasis is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths. Tumor cells that successfully metastasize gain specialized capabilities that allow them to move, invade, and proliferate at distant sites.
Patients with metastatic cancer require a comprehensive therapeutic approach that differs from treatment for localized tumors. Management is often more aggressive and typically involves a combination therapy. The survival rates may depend on the age and overall health of the patient.
Early cancer detection plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of metastasis for many cancer types.
Metastatic cancer symptoms significantly vary and depend on the organ involved. These symptoms reflect the spread of malignant cells from the primary site to a distant site, suggesting an advanced disease state.
Some of the common symptoms of metastatic cancer are fatigue, unintended weight loss, and general weakness.
Organ-specific symptoms originate from the affected site, like shortness of breath and persistent chest pain from lung metastases; bone pain or fractures from bone metastases; abdominal pain or jaundice from liver metastases; and seizures, headaches, and motor weakness in metastases involving the nervous system.
Patients with bone metastases experience severe, localized pain and increased risk of fractures. If you have cancer that has spread to the lungs, you may have chest pain, a persistent cough, and difficulty breathing.
Patients with cancer spreading to the liver may experience swelling, jaundice, and other symptoms because of impaired liver function.
If the cancer metastasizes to the brain, patients experience neurological symptoms, such as dizziness, seizures, cognitive changes, and weakness, depending on the specific brain region affected.
Some patients also experience paraneoplastic syndromes with symptoms like rash, fever, and joint pain, all of which suggest cancer activity. Fatigue, pain, and depression are significant symptoms that lower the overall quality of life.
As metastatic cancer spreads through the blood and lymphatic systems, any tissues or organs can be affected:
Once diagnosed with a primary tumor, the next step is to rule out or detect the spread of cancer to other body organs. It involves a combination of imaging, biopsy, and laboratory tests.
Imaging techniques include computed tomography (CT), bone scintigraphy, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET). These are routinely used to diagnose cancer metastases in bones, liver, and lungs. These tests allow the oncologists to assess the extent of the metastatic lesions.
A biopsy is used to confirm a cancer diagnosis. The tissue samples are taken using the image-guided techniques and examined histologically. Emerging tools for more precise diagnosis include immunohistochemistry (IHC), which is mandatory for every cancer diagnosis, and liquid biopsy. These tests detect malignant cells in the blood, helping detect early metastasis.
Oncologists may also recommend various blood tests to detect and measure tumor markers such as PSA, CEA, CA-19-9, AFP, etc. These tests aid in diagnosis and monitoring, especially for certain cancers, like breast cancer. One other tumor marker is prostate-specific antigen, which helps in detecting prostate cancer.
“How to cure metastatic cancer?”
Metastatic cancer treatment is generally aggressive. A combination of therapies is typically used to control the disease, slow its progression, and prevent further spread.
Chemotherapy remains a mainstay in the management of many metastatic cancers, such as lung, breast, and head and neck cancers. Patients may receive a combination of chemotherapy drugs to improve treatment efficacy.
This approach focuses on specific proteins or pathways that drive cancer growth and proliferation. Targeted therapies block signaling pathways or inhibit receptors on cancer cells and are often personalized based on genetic or molecular profiling.
They have significantly improved outcomes in several metastatic cancers, including colorectal and breast cancers.
Immunotherapy activates the patient’s immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells. Checkpoint inhibitors and other immunotherapy drugs have shown strong effectiveness in managing metastatic cancers such as lung cancer and triple-negative breast cancer.
Additional treatment approaches may include hormone therapy, palliative care, and supportive measures to manage symptoms, reduce treatment side effects, and improve overall quality of life.
Surgery is an option in selected cases. Palliative radiation therapy also plays a major role in symptom control, especially in metastatic cancer.
For individuals diagnosed with metastatic cancer, effectively managing symptoms and seeking supportive care can greatly improve quality of life. Addressing pain, emotional distress, and fatigue through appropriate medications, therapies, and supportive services is essential.
Gentle physical activity can help relieve symptoms such as pain, stiffness, and discomfort. Psychological and emotional support, through counseling, mental health therapy, or participation in support groups, can reduce anxiety, fear, and depression that often accompany the diagnosis.
Educating patients about metastatic cancer and available treatment options empowers them to make informed decisions and take an active role in their care. A coordinated approach from the healthcare team ensures that palliative care is introduced early to manage symptoms, maintain mobility, and improve overall well-being.
Patients may also enhance their daily functioning through proper nutrition, adequate sleep, and strong social support from family, friends, and caregivers.
Oncologists should integrate multiple interventions to improve symptom control, emotional health, and overall quality of life for people living with metastatic cancer.
The survival rate differs in patients with metastatic cancer. Several factors influence the survival of patients with this disease. These factors include the type of primary tumor, the metastatic site, the disease extent, and the response to the treatment. However, metastatic cancer has a poorer prognosis compared with localized cancer.
In metastatic colorectal cancer, the 1-year survival rate is 70 to 75%, while the 3-year survival rate is 30 to 35%. The use of personalized, advanced treatments, such as immunotherapy and targeted therapy, improves the median overall survival rate.
The median survival period for metastatic breast cancer is about 13 to 25 months; however, some patients live for several years based on the tumor characteristics and treatment response. In patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), immunotherapy has significantly increased median overall survival (from 7 to 10 months).
Although long-term survival is usually low in several metastatic cancers, advanced treatment options provide hope in prolonging life and reducing symptoms in these patients.
HCG Cancer Centre is one of the best cancer hospitals in India. Patients with metastatic cancer receive comprehensive advanced care with a multidisciplinary approach at the center.
The expert team at HCG Cancer Centre comprises oncologists, radiologists, surgeons, pathologists, and organ-specific specialists who develop an optimal treatment strategy tailored to each patient's condition. Such integration within the team ensures that patients receive the latest therapies, such as targeted therapies and palliative care.
HCG Cancer Centre is known for comprehensive molecular diagnostics and precision oncology medications. It allows oncologists to profile the tumor, helping guide therapy options more accurately. Pain management, nutritional counseling, and psychological support are some of the supportive services available at the HCG Cancer Centre.
HCG Cancer Centre allows patients to receive complex therapies within an appropriate period. It improves survival and overall quality of life.
Metastatic cancer represents an advanced stage of disease in which cancer cells have spread from the primary site to distant organs such as the liver, lungs, or bones. With the help of modern diagnostic advancements, including improved imaging techniques, clinicians are now able to detect and characterize metastatic disease with greater accuracy.
Treatment for metastatic cancer is generally more intensive than for primary tumors and may involve conventional chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies. The increasing use of personalized treatment approaches has significantly improved clinical outcomes for many patients.
Effective pain and symptom management is essential to maintaining quality of life, and providing emotional and psychological support is a critical component of comprehensive care for patients with metastatic disease. Although survival rates vary widely and are typically lower than those for early-stage cancers, advances in diagnostics and treatment over recent years have led to meaningful improvements in survival for many individuals.
Dr. Sanketh Kotne
Consultant - Medical Oncology
MBBS, MD (Radiation Oncology), DM (Medical Oncology)
Dr. Sanketh Kotne is an experienced medical oncology consultant with over 12 years of experience. He is available for consultations at HCG Cancer Centre, a well-known cancer hospital in Visakhapatnam. Dr. Kotne specializes in the treatment and management of breast, lung, gastrointestinal, and gynecological cancers, along with blood cancers, using systemic treatment approaches. He also specializes in radiation oncology. He strives to deliver holistic and compassionate care for his patients through advanced diagnostic and treatment approaches.
Appointment Link: Book an Appointment with Dr. Sanketh Kotne.
