Treating colon cancer that has spread to liver (Stage 4)

13 Mar, 2023

Diagnosis of colon cancer ! that too spread to the liver!! Stage IV colon cancer!!!

Nobody takes this diagnosis very easily and calmly, so did a patient (himself a senior doctor) from Delhi, India. Dr Vivek Mangla says “ though the diagnosis is serious, recent advances in treatment have improved the treatment outcomes. 40-60% patients treated with isolated colon cancer and liver metastasis are still alive five years after the treatment, which was unheard of earlier”. He adds “applying personalized care is key to successful treatment”. He adds that cases like this need a detailed well thought out plan followed by clockwork precision and flawless implementation of the steps of treatment to ensure this. Right surgery that removes colon cancer. Right medicine for chemotherapy. Right treatment in right sequence”.

Patient asked “what will you do about the liver tumours”. Dr Mangla answered “we will be quite aggressive with the liver tumours and remove them too. Liver has this wonderful capacity to regenerate. Even if we remove 70-80% of liver, the remaining 20-30% can regrow and be enough to do all liver functions throughout your life.”

After initial investigations like PET-CT, MRI and colonoscopy, a battery of lab tests were conducted. An optimized plan was formulated under the guidance of surgeon Dr Vivek Mangla, a medical oncologist for chemotherapy, radiologist, pathologist and radiation oncologist. Dr Vivek Mangla says“Collaboration with a team of specialist doctors who regularly communicate with each other is a key to success in the management of such cancer patients”. Surgery lasting 8 hours involving removal of affected colon, a segment of liver, gall bladder and lymphnodes was done. The removal of tumour in the liver was guided by ultrasound during the surgery to ensure that no cancer was left behind. The recovery was uneventful and quick. Patient was discharged home in 8 days. Biopsy revealed clear margins. Chemotherapy was started 4 weeks later. Patient is doing well and has no evidence of any cancer anywhere in the body.

Regardless of stage, colorectal cancer is treatable in a huge number of patients. For patients suffering from colon cancer, treatment from experienced doctors at specialized centers can help ensure very good outcomes.