Targeted Solutions for Oligometastatic Disease
Oligometastatic disease occurs when cancer has spread to a limited number of sites, often representing an opportunity for targeted treatment and improved outcomes. In many cases, timely intervention can significantly impact survival and quality of life.
Dr Carla Perna offers advanced, personalised care for patients facing this complex condition. Combining cutting-edge treatments with a patient-centred approach, she works to manage the disease effectively while supporting each individual's well-being. With a patient-first approach, Dr Perna provides clear guidance and tailored care, helping individuals feel supported and in control.
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Understanding Oligometastatic Disease
Oligometastatic disease refers to a state where cancer has spread from its original site to only a few secondary locations, typically defined as up to five metastatic lesions. This concept represents an intermediate stage between localised and widespread metastatic cancer, allowing for potentially curative or long-term disease control strategies.
Treatment may involve stereotactic radiotherapy, surgery, or systemic therapies, depending on the type and location of metastases. Common primary cancers that lead to oligometastatic disease include prostate, lung, and colorectal cancers. Early detection and an aggressive, multidisciplinary treatment plan can significantly improve survival outcomes and quality of life for affected patients.
Symptoms of Oligometastatic Disease
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My consultation with Dr Perna was very proficient and professional. She explained my condition well and has arranged for further tests to be carried out to determine the best and appropriate way forward. Would certainly recomend Dr Perna to other individuals.
My consultation with Dr Perna was very proficient and professional. She explained my condition well and has arranged for further tests to be carried out to determine the best and appropriate way forward. Would certainly recomend Dr Perna to other individuals.
My consultation with Dr Perna was very proficient and professional. She explained my condition well and has arranged for further tests to be carried out to determine the best and appropriate way forward. Would certainly recomend Dr Perna to other individuals.
Your oligometastatic disease questions, answered.
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Can oligometastatic disease be cured?
Oligometastatic disease means cancer has spread but only to a limited number of sites. While it is not always fully curable, it can often be controlled for a long time and sometimes eradicated when treated early and aggressively. Dr Carla Perna uses stereotactic radiotherapy (SABR/SBRT) specifically for patients with oligometastatic disease, delivering highly focused radiation to destroy small secondary tumours. In some cases, this approach can delay or reduce the need for systemic therapy and help patients live longer with a better quality of life.
What are the side effects of stereotactic radiotherapy?
Stereotactic radiotherapy (SABR/SBRT) is generally well tolerated, but side effects can occur. Common short-term effects include mild fatigue, skin redness, or soreness in the treated area. Some patients experience temporary swelling or discomfort where the tumour was targeted. Rarely, there can be longer-term tissue changes, depending on the tumour’s location. Dr Carla Perna plans stereotactic radiotherapy carefully for oligometastatic disease to keep side effects as low as possible while still giving a highly effective, precise dose to the cancer.
What are the treatment options for oligometastatic disease?
Treatment depends on where the cancer started and where it has spread. Options may include surgery, stereotactic radiotherapy (SABR/SBRT), and, in some cases, systemic therapies such as hormone therapy, chemotherapy, or targeted drugs. Dr Carla Perna focuses on using stereotactic radiotherapy specifically for oligometastatic disease, as it can target and destroy small areas of spread with minimal impact on surrounding healthy tissue. The goal is often long-term control, delaying further spread and maintaining quality of life.
How is oligometastatic disease different from metastatic cancer?
Metastatic cancer describes cancer that has spread beyond its original site to multiple areas in the body. Oligometastatic disease is a more limited form of spread, where only a few secondary tumours are present, usually in one or two locations. Because the number of metastases is small, it may sometimes be possible to target them more directly with local treatments, aiming to control the disease longer compared to cases with widespread metastases.
What is stereotactic radiotherapy (SABR/SBRT), and how does it treat oligometastatic disease?
Stereotactic radiotherapy (also called SABR or SBRT) is an advanced form of radiation that delivers very high doses to tumours with extreme accuracy. It’s especially effective when cancer has spread to only a few sites. Dr Carla Perna uses this technology specifically to treat oligometastatic disease, targeting small metastatic tumours while protecting healthy tissue. By focusing powerful beams on the cancer, SABR/SBRT can shrink or destroy these spots, helping to control the disease and delay the need for more aggressive whole-body treatments.