You are here:

Colon Cancer/stage 4 colon cancer

Advertisement


Question
I have a 37 year old male friend with stage 4 colon cancer that has spread to the liver.  He is currently undergoing chemotherapy with the hopes of later surgery.  I understand that doctors can't don't give prognoses anymore but can you give me an idea what to expect.  Would new treatments such as radiospheres for the liver greatly extend his expectancy.  I am trying to be helpful to the family but I don't want to keep looking up new treatments if it won't get them much. Also, I want to be prepared for my friend if need be. Also, do you have any thoughts concerning success rate for Cancer treatment centers of America?

Answer
Madame, you have asked me a straight question, so it deserves a straight reply!  Unfortunately, apart from what is being done already, there is nothing that can be done. Chemo will just slow the process down. Surgery & radiation are not of much help here. I'm sorry I have nothing better to tell you!

Colon Cancer

All Answers


Answers by Expert:


Ask Experts

Volunteer


Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D.

Expertise

I`m a doctor of medicine and a specialist in radiation therapy and medical oncology. I have long experience with regards to this cancer.

Experience

I'm a Doctor of Medicine and specialist in Medical Oncology and Radiation Therapy educated & trained in Sweden. Now retired. Background in Radiation Therapy, Medical Oncology, Radiation Protection, Nuclear Medicine, Diagnostic Radiology, Gynecological Oncology, Clinical Pathology, Clinical Cytology,Hematology and Internal Medicine. M.D. from the faculty of medicine, Royal Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. Have also been an exchange student at the Hebrew University, Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem Israel. Former medical consultant, Swedish National Board of Radiation Protection. Former Police Surgeon and Medical Examiner, Stockholm Police Department. Former Chief Medical Officer, The Royal Guards, The Royal Horse Guards and the Royal Household Brigade, Royal Swedish Army Medical Corps. You can also reach me on: http://www.lifestylerescue.com/expert/health-fitness-advice/dr-claes-gustaf/128 I have no restrictions on the number of questions there.

I also answer questions in these categories: Oncology (General Cancer), General History, Military History, Brain Tumors, Breast Cancer.

Education/Credentials
I'm a medical doctor and a specialist in medical oncology & radiation therapy.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.