UChicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center
Surgeon Ryan Merkow, MD, holding an HAI device
Surgeon Ryan Merkow, MD, holds a hepatic artery infusion (HAI) pump, a device that delivers chemotherapy directly into the liver to treat colorectal cancer tumors that have spread to the liver.

Learning you have metastatic, or stage 4, colorectal cancer can be distressing, but you do not have to feel hopeless or alone.

Our internationally recognized cancer experts at the UChicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center are committed to helping people who have colorectal cancer that has spread to their liver, lungs or other areas of the body. Working collaboratively, our team can offer a full range of patient-centered care options, including many that are not available elsewhere.

New treatments are changing the outlook for many people with metastatic colorectal cancer, even for some who have been told their condition is untreatable.

Our colorectal cancer physicians are among the nation’s leading authorities on the latest therapies that may prolong survival and improve quality of life in patients with colorectal cancer that has spread to a limited number of sites

The multidisciplinary team at UChicago Medicine designs personalized care plans using detailed molecular profiling of the patient’s tumor and combining cancer therapies that may not be available at most hospitals. This includes advanced radiation techniques like stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) plus immunotherapy, which uses the body’s own immune system to kill cancer.

We also specialize in the latest interventional and surgical options, including ablation to destroy tumors and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemoperfusion (HIPEC), which uses heated chemotherapy to kill cancer cells. We are also the only hospital in Illinois to offer hepatic artery infusion that delivers chemotherapy directly to tumors in the liver. In addition, we were one of the first hospitals in the nation to offer histotripsy, a breakthrough noninvasive procedure that uses sound waves to destroy tumors that have spread to the liver. 

For select patients with liver-only disease, we also offer living donor liver transplants

Our physicians are also leading research to discover even better ways to help patients with metastatic colorectal cancer live longer and with less pain and fewer side effects from treatment.

UChicago Medicine physician-scientists conducted groundbreaking research into new methods to predict which patients with metastatic colorectal cancer are more likely to have a favorable treatment outcome after removal of liver metastases. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

Surgical Options for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

Our surgeons offer several procedures for metastatic colorectal cancer that are not widely available. Some of these options include:

Drug Therapy for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

We may recommend one or more drug therapies in combination with other treatments, such as surgery or radiation, to treat metastatic colorectal cancer. Drug therapies include:

Radiation Therapy for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

Our radiation oncologists are working with medical oncologists to test new approaches of using radiation therapy to “burst open” cancer cells in tumors and prime the immune system before immunotherapy for patients with limited metastatic colorectal cancer. Our cancer specialists may also suggest aggressive treatment plans combining advanced radiation techniques with chemotherapy or surgery.

We offer a full range of radiation therapy treatments, some of which are not widely available. This includes:

Interventional Oncology Therapies for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

UChicago Medicine is a leader in this emerging field of oncology, which uses image-guided, minimally invasive procedures to treat cancer. We are one of only a few hospitals in Chicago to offer a dedicated interventional oncology clinic where patients with cancer can meet with interventional radiologists specializing in cancer treatment to discuss their options.

For patients with metastatic colorectal cancer in the liver, these therapies may include:

Supportive Care for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

We understand how metastatic colorectal cancer can affect so many aspects of your life — from what you eat to how well you sleep. Our supportive oncology program can offer solutions to help you and your family cope with the challenges of living with the disease. Some of the support we provide includes:

  • Help managing diarrhea and other digestive symptoms
  • Nutrition assessments and counseling
  • Pain control
  • Rehabilitation
  • Genetic counseling
  • Stress managementAssistance with insurance issues and financial counseling

Advanced Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Treatment Options

If your colorectal cancer is advanced, we may be able to help. Our team can suggest treatments that may help extend and improve the quality of your life. Drug therapy can reduce the size of tumors and help prevent them from spreading. An interventional oncology treatment like cryoablation may help shrink painful bone metastases and reduce symptoms. We can suggest options to address your concerns and preferences, and tailor your treatment plan to your needs.

What can I expect when I come to UChicago Medicine for metastatic colorectal cancer treatment?

You can expect advanced, thoughtful and patient-focused care. Our highly regarded metastatic colorectal cancer specialists work together to determine the best approach to treat your disease. This collaborative approach benefits you as pursuing some treatments may limit your ability to have others, at least in the short term. For example, having surgery to remove tumors usually requires taking a break from systemic chemotherapy for a few months before the procedure.

We also take time to explain what you can expect from your treatment because we believe that education is part of our mission. Our goal is to help you and your family feel more in control of your care plan.

Because UChicago Medicine is an academic medical center, our physician-scientists are actively researching new ways to treat metastatic colorectal cancer. Through our clinical trials, we offer patients with stage 4 colorectal cancer access to innovative treatments that are not available at most hospitals. Request an appointment to connect with our specialists and begin your evaluation.

 
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metastatic cancer illustration

Treating Metastatic Cancer with Optimism and Hope

If you have been diagnosed with metastatic cancer, more therapies may be available to you than you think. Our cancer specialists are eager to help you understand all of your options.

Limited Metastatic Cancer Program

Hepatic Artery Infusion (HAI) Pump Chemotherapy for Liver Metastases

Hepatic artery infusion pump chemotherapy, or HAI, is an advanced treatment for tumors that have spread to the liver due to metastatic colorectal cancer or metastatic bile duct cancer. HAI is a powerful tool to shrink liver tumors and reduces the risk of tumor recurrence.

Request an Appointment for Cancer Care

We are currently experiencing a high volume of inquiries, leading to delayed response times. For faster assistance, please call 1-855-702-8222 to schedule your appointment.

If you have symptoms of an urgent nature, please call your doctor or go to the emergency room immediately.

For Referring Physicians

To refer a patient for cancer care, please call UCM Physician Connect at 1-800-824-2282

 
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By submitting this form you acknowledge the risk of sending this information by email and agree not to hold the University of Chicago or University of Chicago Medical Center liable for any damages you may incur as a result of the transfer or use of this information. The use or transmittal of this form does not create a physician-contact relationship. More information regarding the confidentiality of this request can be found in our Privacy Policy.