Stage 4 - Ongoing Treatment Options

My wife, Sharon, was diagnosed with Stage 4 Colon cancer (tumors in her lung and liver)  almost 2 years ago.  She has responded well to a combination of Avastin, Folfox, Campostar.    In fact she was declared No Evidence of Disease (NED) 4 months ago.  Her last scan showed a 'small tumor' in her lung. (Though her tumor marker number is still low)  Her Oncologst recommendeds starting full chemo again in 4 weeks - Bascially a quality of life recommendation to enjoy some summer 'fun.'

To minimize side effects we had asked about just using Avastin.  Can Avastin work well by itself?  The side affects seem less with Avastin. 

The question really is has anyone experience in treating Stage 4 colon cancer in an ongoing basis after being declared NED?  Also what treaments have people used when the cancer returns after being declared NED.

Thanks.

Gary

On 7/7/2008 Grymccul wrote:

My wife, Sharon, was diagnosed with Stage 4 Colon cancer (tumors in her lung and liver)  almost 2 years ago.  She has responded well to a combination of Avastin, Folfox, Campostar.    In fact she was declared No Evidence of Disease (NED) 4 months ago.  Her last scan showed a 'small tumor' in her lung. (Though her tumor marker number is still low)  Her Oncologst recommendeds starting full chemo again in 4 weeks - Bascially a quality of life recommendation to enjoy some summer 'fun.'

To minimize side effects we had asked about just using Avastin.  Can Avastin work well by itself?  The side affects seem less with Avastin. 

The question really is has anyone experience in treating Stage 4 colon cancer in an ongoing basis after being declared NED?  Also what treaments have people used when the cancer returns after being declared NED.

 

Thanks.

Gary

 

Gary:  I was diagnosed 4 years ago with colorectal CA, stage 4, mets to the lungs. I had a colostomy, radiation, chemo, lung surgery, then I had Cyberknife done on the one lung which was successful and has few side effects.  The lesion on the other lung is too close to the heart to do Cyberknife or surgery, so I don't know what my next option will be.  I too have had all the chemos your wife has had, including Avastin.  Cyberknife was my latest treatment.  The Avastin alone seemed to control my cancer, though didn't shrink it, but everyone is different.      Phyllis

Gary, my wife is in the middle of the way to NED. She also has Colon Cancer, stage IV (LIVER mets) and she is getting her 12 round chemo as of right now. Our oncologist has said that using just Avastin after the treatment is a new practice they are using today. He just got back from a seminar in Greece and they talked about the good results they are having with this practice.

Sounds good to me, beside, Avastin has very littke side effects.

Good luck!!

Phyllis, My wife has Colon Cancer, stage IV (liver mets), could you please comments your cyberknife experience. Is it worth it?

Thanks

Hi Gary,

I too am at stage 4 with multiple mets to lungs.  Have tried Avastin and it kept things in check for a couple of months but did not shrink anything.  I think the docs believe the Avastin will postpone growth but not kill the tumor so most are combining it with chemo to get shrinkage.  I am currently on Vectibix which is suppose to kill the tumors.  Unfortunately there are side effects, skin rash, fatigue, stomach issues, ect.  I am not convinced that Avastin is the miracle drug they are proclaiming.  There was an article in the New York Times around July 5th that also says this. My opinion is that if your wife has a small tumor then hit it hard to try to wipe it out with the most effective chemo's available.  The Avastin may be helpful if the tumors are large and someone is at end of life, it may give them a couple more months of symptom free life.  Check with your doctors on Vectibix and Eurbitux.  These newer cancer drugs are designed to kill colon tumors.  They are easier on the system than standard chemo's in my opinion.  I don't get as sick, vomiting...ect. But do have to deal with an ugly skin rash that will go away with no long term effects afterwards.  Something to look into.  Good Luck.

Jeff

Jeff,

The article you mention is a must read for all:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/06/health/06avastin.html?_r=1

Hopefully this link works for all - If not just Google 'avastin New York Times'

Good luck and thanks!

Gary

On 7/11/2008 Grymccul wrote:

Jeff,

 

The article you mention is a must read for all:

 

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/06/health/06avastin.html?_r=1

 

Hopefully this link works for all - If not just Google 'avastin New York Times'

 

Good luck and thanks!

Gary

Thanks Gary,

It worked fine.  Yes it is a great article and gives alot of insight.  Hopefully this will help you and your wife make a good decision.  When I found out my colorectal cancer had spread to my lungs there were already about 50+ small tumors.  We hit it hard with folfox treatment and it eliminated half of the tumors and shrank the other half some.  I think hitting it hard at the start gave me a better chance to live longer.  We are trying other chemo drugs like Vectibix right now to see if they are effective but will probably hit it hard again at the end of the year.  Because folfox is so toxic the body can't handle constant treatment.  So we'll see.  Just gotta keep trying and living.  Good Luck and thanks for the link.

Jeff