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When cancer spreads from the place in the body where it started to a different area of the body, it’s called metastatic, or the cancer has metastasized. Cancer cells can spread by traveling through the blood or the lymphatic system, a group of organs, tissues and vessels in the body.

While virtually any type of cancer can spread, some types that are most likely to metastasize include cancers of the bone, brain, breast, colon, kidney, lung, pancreas, prostate and thyroid.

The chance of cancer spreading depends on the type of cancer, how fast it’s growing and other factors.

When metastatic cancer spreads to a different part of the body, it is still named for the area of the body where it started. For example, if breast cancer spreads to the bones, it is referred to as breast cancer with bone metastasis.

Ongoing research is exploring new ways to stop metastatic cancer.

Metastatic cancer

Your treatment plan

Because virtually all types of cancer can metastasize, the approach to treatment depends on the specific kind and location of the cancer, as well as the age and health of the patient and other factors.

Treatment for metastatic cancer may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, hormone therapy, or a combination of treatments.

There is a limit to the safe amount of radiation an area of your body can receive during your lifetime. However, another area might still be treated if there is a safe distance between the two radiation sites.

Metastatic cancer

Radiation therapy treatment techniques

Radiation therapy—sometimes called radiotherapy or “RT”—for metastatic cancer may vary by the particular type of your cancer. Common RT treatment techniques include:

Metastatic cancer

Possible side effects

Side effects are cumulative, which means they can develop over several weeks or months as the body responds to radiation. You can ask your radiation oncologist what you might expect from your specific treatment. Different types of cancer can metastasize to different parts of the body, and every patient’s treatment is different, but these are some common side effects of metastatic cancer radiation therapy:

  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Skin irritation
  • Changes in weight
Metastatic cancer

Your treatment journey

When it comes to preparing for your metastatic cancer treatment, knowledge is power. That includes knowing what to expect during your treatment journey so you can move forward one informed and empowered step at a time. Here is a brief outline of what you can expect during external beam radiation treatment. The details of some steps may differ, depending on your particular case.

Step 1: Consultation

First, you'll meet with your radiation oncologist to discuss what type of radiation treatment options are recommended for your specific case, and make a decision together about your treatment.

Step 2: Simulation

As part of your treatment planning, the exact area of the tumor must first be determined. This is usually done using a CT scan, short for computed tomography, providing a detailed 3-D image of the treatment area using x-rays. Sometimes temporary skin marks or even tiny tattoos (about the size of a freckle) are made on your body to help the radiation therapist position you correctly each day for treatment.

Step 3: Treatment planning

After simulation is complete, your treatment team will develop your personalized treatment plan, taking into account the location and type of cancer you have, your medical history, lab tests, and other factors—all to determine your best course of treatment. Typical treatment with radiation therapy will require you to come for treatment five days a week.

Step 4: Positioning for treatment

On your treatment days, your radiation therapist will position you on the radiation machine’s treatment couch with the help of a laser for alignment.

Step 5: Start of treatment

The radiation is delivered by a machine called a linear accelerator, or linac. Some linacs have a visible gantry, which will move around you, and other linacs have an enclosed gantry, which you will not see move, to deliver the radiation. You won’t see, hear, feel or smell the beam, in most cases. Treatment sessions usually take approximately 15 minutes. Your first treatment session may be a little longer.

Step 6: Post-treatment and follow-up care

Every patient is different, but most patients can continue daily activities during treatment, despite side effects such as fatigue. After your final treatment, your radiation oncologist will schedule periodic follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and the results of your treatment.

Metastatic cancer

Helpful resources for metastatic cancer

Questions to ask

Some important things you may want to find out from your doctor before undergoing treatment for metastatic cancer.

Learn More