Stage 4 Cancer Remission: Your Path to Hope and Healing

Being told that you have stage 4 cancer can feel like a lot to take in. Whether you’ve just been told or you’re exploring your options after treatment, you’re likely asking: can stage 4 cancer go into remission?

‘Remission’ is not a term I often use - it’s rarely used in the types of cancer that I treat. It is, however, a term that people with cancer frequently ask me about. The short answer is: sometimes, yes. While remission may not mean a cure, it can mean more time, better control, and improved quality of life.

This website page offers clear, compassionate answers about stage 4 cancer remission, emerging treatments, and how personalised care from a consultant oncologist like Dr. James Wilson may help you or your loved one take the next step with confidence.

Can Stage 4 Cancer Achieve Remission?

While not all stage 4 cancers respond in the same way, partial or even complete remission is possible, especially when newer treatments are considered alongside conventional care. By ‘remission’ in this context, we are referring to a situation where there are no new sites of metastatic cancer appearing on scans and the spots that we know about are controlled. This suggests that the cancer cells, wherever they are in the body are responding to treatment.

Some cancers, such as colorectal cancer (bowel cancer, colon cancer), ovarian cancer, and non-small cell lung cancer, may respond particularly well to targeted treatments or stereotactic radiotherapy, especially when the disease is limited to a small number of areas (oligometastatic disease).

Factors influencing remission include:

• Type of cancer and its genetic makeup

• Overall health and age

• Number and size of tumours

• Access to advanced treatment options

• Response to previous treatments

Each case is different, which is why a second opinion can be so valuable. Remember that new treatments for cancer are emerging all the time and life expectancy for people with Stage 4 cancers is continuing to improve.

Life During Stage 4 Cancer Remission

Remission is not the end of care. In fact, living with stage 4 cancer in remission brings its own set of physical and emotional needs.

You may continue with maintenance therapy, require regular physical exams and CT scans, blood tests, and check-ups to monitor for evidence of disease. Some patients live for years with no signs of active disease on scans, especially when the cancer is stable or slow-growing.

While treatment side effects may reduce, you may still need support for:

• Fatigue, anxiety or depression

• Managing treatment decisions

• Connecting with support groups and counselling services

• Finding the right balance between hope and realism

Many patients find this period a chance to focus on quality of life, reconnect with loved ones, and reclaim a sense of control. Your team should discuss the cancer symptoms you should look out for. Don't wait for your next scan if you have a symptom that persists and progresses in severity over time. If you have symptoms of cancer, you must tell your medical team immediately.

Treatment Options for Stage 4 Cancer

If remission is your goal, the right treatment plan matters. Alongside established options such as Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy, newer techniques may offer a more targeted, less invasive approach. Your cancer care team should sequence drug treatments with local treatments, such as radiation therapy, to get the best results for you.

Stereotactic Radiotherapy (SABR/SBRT)

Dr. Wilson specialises in stereotactic radiotherapy — a highly precise form of radiation used to treat oligometastatic or oligoprogressive disease. It delivers high-dose treatment to small areas, potentially controlling the disease for longer, with fewer side effects. SABR can be used to treat the original site of the cancer as well as any of the part of the body with a sign of cancer on scans.

This may be appropriate if:

• The cancer has spread, but only to a few sites

• Previous treatments have worked in some areas, but not all

• There are a small number of areas of cancer recurrence

• There has been a period of time between your primary treatment and the cancer coming back

• You are fit enough for a focused, outpatient-based procedure

• The size of the tumour permits this type of radiation therapy

Other treatment options that may support remission:

• Targeted therapy based on genetic testing - certain genetic mutations present in the cancer cells, but not the normal cells can be targeted with specific drug treatments.

• Hormone therapy (e.g. for prostate cancer or hormone receptor-positive breast cancer)

• Immune checkpoint inhibitors (immunotherapy), which help your immune system recognise and attack cancerous cells

• Clinical trials exploring new drugs or combinations

• Palliative care that improves comfort while slowing disease

Understanding Stage 4 Cancer

Understanding the different stages of cancer can be confusing - particularly if you've been told that your primary tumour has spread. If you’re still coming to terms with the diagnosis, this resource may help: learn more about stage 4 cancer.

In short:

• Stage IV means the cancer has spread from its primary tumour to other parts of the body

• The aim of treatment may shift from cure to control, comfort, and long-term health

• Remission is still possible, especially with an individualised approach that combines different treatment at different times

• Even those with a late stage of cancer can access a support system that can keep them feeling well for longer. Overall survival rates for people with advanced cancer stage are improving all the time

Staging is determined through a combination of imaging (such as CT scans and positron emission tomography [PET] scans), biopsies, and blood tests. The staging system helps doctors assess how far the cancer has spread and guides your care. While the treatment of early-stage cancer may just require surgery, Stage 4 cancer often requires a combination of drug treatment and other local therapies - treatments that compliment each other to optimise results.

Defining Remission in Cancer

Remission means that signs of cancer are reduced or no longer detectable. It doesn’t always mean the cancer is gone forever, but it does mean it’s currently under control - hopefully for a long time. People use the term remission in different ways. I've heard the following terms used to describe the types of remission:

• Complete remission: No visible signs of cancer on scans or tests

• Partial remission: The cancer has shrunk or is no longer causing symptoms

You may hear the term “no evidence of disease (NED)” — this is often used to describe complete remission, though microscopic cancerous cells may still remain. It is therefore important to have clinical follow-up with physical exams and CT scans to identify any sites of cancer recurrence before symptoms of cancer develop.

Frequently Asked Questions About Remission

What Are Signs of Remission?

• Scans show tumour shrinkage or disappearance

• Tumour markers or blood tests improve

• Symptoms reduce (e.g. less pain, better energy, weight stabilisation)

How Long Does Remission Last?

It varies. Some remain in remission for months, others for years. Careful monitoring is essential. Some long-term cancer survivors remain in remission for many years. While rare, spontaneous remission has been documented, although this remains poorly understood and cannot be predicted or relied upon. This can be seen in people with kidney cancer.

Is a Cure Possible for Stage 4 Cancer?

In rare cases, yes, particularly for some blood cancers, testicular cancer, or Hodgkin lymphoma. But most remissions are viewed as long-term control rather than cure. I am very cautious of using words like 'cure' in Stage 4 cancer and prefer to discuss long-term control.

What Happens if Remission Ends?

If the cancer returns (recurrence), treatment can be adjusted. This may include revisiting options like stereotactic radiotherapy, clinical trials, or new drugs. The aim is to use different treatments to prolong periods of remission. Involving the palliative care team doesn't always mean that end-of-life care is needed. It can mean that symptoms of cancer need addressing to keep you on active treatment for longer.

Support and Resources for Patients

Whether you’re a patient or supporting a family member, cancer remission comes with practical and emotional needs. Consider connecting with:

• A cancer support group or social worker

• Counselling for mental health and wellbeing

• Depending on your cancer type there are specific support groups available e.g. for pancreatic cancer, liver cancer or metastatic breast cancer

• Trusted resources like the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute

These sites offer reliable treatment guidance, cancer statistics, and help you understand what others in your situation have experienced.

Support from a social worker, counsellor, or dedicated cancer team can also make a meaningful difference — particularly when navigating complex treatment decisions.

How Dr. James Wilson Supports Your Journey

With years of experience treating primary cancer and advanced cancer, Dr. Wilson offers patients access to:

• Fast second opinions with consultant-led care

• Precision-led treatment plans tailored to your cancer staging and cancer type

• Specialist techniques like stereotactic radiotherapy

• A responsive, compassionate healthcare team

• Guidance that respects your goals and preferences

• Collaboration with healthcare providers to provide truly holistic care (e.g prompt dietician support to counteract health concerns such as weight loss)

Read more about his approach to Personalised Medicine.

Taking the Next Step Toward Remission

You may already be receiving good care — but if you’re asking questions, you deserve answers.

A second opinion can help you:

• Understand all your treatment options

• Explore therapies not yet offered by your team

• Make informed decisions with clarity and confidence

You’re welcome to book a consultation — even if just to ask “Is there something we’ve missed?”

Dr. James Wilson sees patients in London private medical centres or remotely via video consultation.

Appointments are available the same or next day if an urgent appointment is required.

Take the next step towards hope and healing. Book a consultation with Dr. James Wilson to discuss your stage 4 cancer journey and explore personalised treatment options.