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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Should Chemotherapy Be Prolonged If The Cancer Has Spread To Other Organs?

My father in law has colorectal cancer, and a month ago he had the surgery done (ileostomy). Prior to surgery he had six weeks chemo. The doctors told him that everything went excellent during surgery but when he went to his follow up appointment he was told that maybe the cancer spread a bit to his large intestine wall and maybe more chemo is required. My question to you is: if he needs more chemo, how many weeks he should have it?

Mon, 29 Jun 2015
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Radiologist,  's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for writing in.

There is no fixed duration of chemotherapy. Treatment is given on an individual basis and depending on treatment response. Chemotherapy is given in cycles and in the beginning it is for 4 or 6 cycles. The general health of the patient is closely observed and when there is a need, drugs are changed to increase response. If a patient is have side effects to a particular drug then the second line of drugs are used.

In conclusion, chemotherapy is continued till such time that the disease is stabilized and not progressing. In cancer that has spread to other organs, chemotherapy is given to extend survival by reducing tumor size. It is important for him to follow up regularly. Please do not worry.
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Should Chemotherapy Be Prolonged If The Cancer Has Spread To Other Organs?

Hi, Thanks for writing in. There is no fixed duration of chemotherapy. Treatment is given on an individual basis and depending on treatment response. Chemotherapy is given in cycles and in the beginning it is for 4 or 6 cycles. The general health of the patient is closely observed and when there is a need, drugs are changed to increase response. If a patient is have side effects to a particular drug then the second line of drugs are used. In conclusion, chemotherapy is continued till such time that the disease is stabilized and not progressing. In cancer that has spread to other organs, chemotherapy is given to extend survival by reducing tumor size. It is important for him to follow up regularly. Please do not worry.