Metastatic cancer is characterised by the migration of cancer cells from the primary tumour to different parts of the body. Oligometastatic cancer occurs when the disease has spread to up to five sites, allowing for targeted treatment approaches to eradicate the disease, and oligoprogression signifies the reactivation of cancer in a few specific areas while a patient is receiving ongoing drug treatment for cancer treatment.
A metastatic cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. As a leading UK clinical oncologist, I treat patients with all types of metastatic cancer. My priority is to support you in understanding your diagnosis and finding the best targeted treatment options. Whether it be radiotherapy, symptom control, drug treatment, or a combined approach, there will always be something I can do to help you.
“Dr Wilson’s clinical knowledge and expertise is second to none. He is very personable and has a great understanding of the anxiety patients are experiencing. He always has time to explain the journey ahead and treatment that will be delivered. Following my consultation I felt confident the I was going to receive the best possible care and treatment. Both during and after my radiotherapy I felt fully supported by Dr Wilson and his team ”
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Treatment for metastatic cancer
When cancer spreads to a limited number of sites, advanced targeted treatments can deliver life-changing results. As a leading UK radiation oncologist specialising in targeted cancer treatment – including stereotactic radiotherapy (also known as stereotactic ablative radiotherapy - SABR or SBRT), immunotherapy, targeted drug therapies and combination approaches to effectively treat metastatic disease – I’m proud to offer cutting-edge treatment options that can precisely target and often eliminate cancer metastases with remarkable accuracy and life-enhancing results.
Stereotactic radiotherapy can be used when any cancer type has spread as a secondary cancer to a limited number of areas. It is recognised for its exceptional precision in targeting metastatic tumours, and this high level of accuracy is made possible by advanced imaging technologies that ensure precise targeting while reducing harm to nearby healthy tissues. By delivering high-dose radiation non-invasively, stereotactic radiotherapy effectively treats the affected areas while minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
Oligometastatic disease refers to a condition in which the cancer has spread from its original site but only to a limited number of other locations, typically between 1 and 5 metastatic sites. This stage represents a middle ground, positioned between cancer that remains localised and cancer that has spread more extensively. In these cases, I treat the limited number of metastases using stereotactic radiotherapy and targeted drug therapies. Many of my patients experience highly positive outcomes, with some even seeing their cancer completely disappear.
Oligoprogressive disease describes a clinical scenario in which a person with cancer on systemic therapy, such as targeted drug therapy or immunotherapy, experiences cancer progression in a few areas while the rest remains well-managed. In this scenario, I utilise targeted stereotactic radiotherapy to treat these progressing lesions. This targeted approach allows patients to continue their current systemic therapy, managing the remaining cancer and eliminating the need to switch to a different treatment plan.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) is a non-invasive approach to stereotactic radiotherapy that effectively helps in managing or even eliminating brain metastases. SRS involves delivering precisely targeted radiation doses directly to the affected areas of the brain, often in a single session. I offer SRS using either CyberKnife or a modern linear accelerator (Linac), and this treatment methodology has been shown to be a reliable and effective option, leading to positive outcomes in tumour control.
When we meet, my top priority will be to address your symptoms. Pain can be not only uncomfortable but also hinder effective cancer treatment by affecting your appetite, mobility, sleep, and overall quality of life. The radiotherapy I provide has a strong potential to alleviate these symptoms, helping you return to your normal activities. In private hospitals, I can offer advanced radiotherapy techniques quickly to manage your symptoms while minimising side effects. If your cancer leads to pain, a distressing cough, visible swellings, or any other troubling symptoms, I can create a personalised radiotherapy plan just for you.
Cancer drug treatments are constantly improving. Your personalised treatment plan for metastatic cancer may involve options such as immunotherapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of both, tailored to what works best for you. I can closely examine the genetic factors driving your metastatic cancer and implement a targeted drug therapy that focuses on preventing the growth, progression, and spread of your cancer cells. With access to pioneering and proven cancer treatments, I will ensure you achieve the best possible results based on the latest clinical evidence and personalised treatment options.
If you have only been offered palliative metastatic cancer treatment elsewhere and your doctor hasn’t discussed CyberKnife therapy, MR-linac treatment, clinical trials, stereotactic radiotherapy, targeted drug therapies or a combination treatment approach with you, then we should definitely talk about your metastatic cancer treatment options.
My practice integrates medical expertise with a patient-centred approach, ensuring you receive not only the most advanced care but also the support and guidance you need at every stage of your treatment journey. I’m proud to say that many of my metastatic cancer patients continue to lead full and active lives throughout and after their treatment.
My private practice is affiliated with a distinguished group of London hospitals, and I am one of the few clinical oncologists offering stereotactic radiotherapy at The LOC Harley Street, The London Clinic, and The Cromwell Hospital.
Please do not feel constrained by the location of my practices in London; many of my patients live outside the capital and the UK. To accommodate those coming from afar, I offer initial video consultations to promptly develop personalised care and treatment plans that meet your needs and can be implemented quickly. Furthermore, should you require accommodation, I can assist in arranging a comfortable and convenient place for you to stay near my London practices.
Targeted treatments for metastatic cancer
Targeted Therapy
Stereotactic Radiotherapy
Stereotactic radiotherapy (SABR) is a precise, high-dose radiation therapy for early-stage lung cancer. It’s highly effective, and my personal cure rate is 90%.
If my cancer has spread, what stage of cancer do I have?
If your cancer has moved to another part of your body, this means you have Stage 4 cancer.
Am I going to die? Will this cancer kill me?
When we meet, we’ll talk about the aim of the treatment I recommend. In the past, for most (but not all) types of cancer, having Stage 4 disease meant that the cancer could not be cured. With modern drug treatments and stereotactic radiotherapy, a significant proportion of patients are achieving long-term disease control.
Is there any point in having treatment if you can’t guarantee me a cure?
Cancer treatment needs to be personalised to your personal situation, your priorities and current symptoms. I often need to undo a lot of preconceptions about cancer treatment when I meet people for the first time. They remember parents or grandparents who experienced horrible side effects from ineffective treatments. Things have changed considerably! With the best drug treatments, it may be possible to control your cancer for many years.
Modern radiotherapy has minimal side effects and can control, or even eradicate, the spots where the cancer has spread. Treatment to control your symptoms will make you feel better and allow you to do more – it may even open doors to other treatments that you may not have been able to access when you were feeling poorly.
What are the side effects of stereotactic radiotherapy?
It’s important to note that while side effects can occur with SABR, they are typically mild and temporary, with most patients experiencing minimal disruption to their daily activities. The frequency and severity of side effects can vary depending on factors such as the size and location of the tumour, the dose of radiation delivered, and your personal health issues. Common mild to moderate side effects, such as fatigue, are generally well-tolerated and manageable with supportive care measures. Before you start treatment, I’ll give you a number that gives you access to support and care 24/7 if you were to be concerned about your symptoms.
Will my hair fall out?
The side effects of radiotherapy are limited to the area of the body that is being treated. If you are not receiving radiotherapy to the head or your brain, you will not lose the hair on your head. There may be some hair thinning or small areas of hair loss if you are having stereotactic radiosurgery for brain metastases.
What if I don’t live in London?
Depending on the treatment you need, it’s possible that the hospital will provide hotel accommodation for you. Alternatively, I work in partnership with some (very nice!) hotels that offer a discounted rate while you are having treatment under my care. I’d remain close contact with your doctors closer to home. I can arrange scans local to you and we can meet by video consultation if you’d prefer.
Do I need to avoid people/my grandchildren while I’m having radiotherapy? Does radiotherapy make me radioactive?
It’s a common misconception that radiotherapy makes you radioactive or a risk to others. Just like having an X-ray, radiation is only present while the radiotherapy machine is on – you don’t carry it out of the room with you.
Does radiotherapy for metastatic cancer hurt?
Radiotherapy itself is painless. You don’t see or feel anything while you are receiving the treatment. If you are having radiotherapy specifically for pain, a proportion of patients will experience a pain flair. Before you start treatment, I’ll ensure that you have pain killers that you might need. This pain flair is temporary.
Importantly, you’ll be able to access me at any time and I can see you as often as is needed to address any symptoms.
Will I need chemotherapy?
A combined approach is the best for metastatic cancer. Drug treatments can get around all of the body via the bloodstream, so can treat the cancer deposits that we can see as well as microscopic cancer cells that we can’t see on scans. Consolidating the response to drug treatments such as immunotherapy, chemotherapy or targeted therapies leads to the best outcome.
What is radiotherapy?
Radiotherapy is a treatment that uses high-energy X-rays, to target and destroy cancer cells in your body. It’s a common and effective way to treat cancer, either on its own or alongside other treatments like surgery or medication. Radiotherapy works by damaging the DNA inside the cancer cells, which stops them from growing and spreading. The treatment is carefully planned to focus on the cancer while avoiding as much of the healthy tissue as possible. Radiotherapy is usually painless, and while it may cause some side effects, these are often temporary and manageable. I will work closely with you to make sure the treatment is as effective and comfortable as possible.
Will the radiotherapy damage other organs?
My commitment to you it to offer you the best quality of radiotherapy that is available. I will balance the need to start treatment as quickly as possible, with the time required to produce a first-class radiotherapy treatment plan that minimises the dose to your normal tissues while still targeting the cancer.
How long will each radiotherapy session last?
The length of each treatment session depends on the complexity of the radiotherapy treatment plan and the type of radiotherapy machine. The most straightforward treatments can be given in less than 10 minutes. Stereotactic radiotherapy using CyberKnife or the MR-Linac can take considerably longer, but we can let you know more precisely how long each treatment will take before you attend.
Will I have to stay in hospital overnight?
These treatments are generally given with you staying in your own home and traveling in to hospital for the radiotherapy.
Will I need somebody to come with me, or can I come by myself?
I’d expect you to be able to travel into the hospital by yourself for treatment if your current symptoms allow you to travel independently at the time we meet in clinic. Towards the end of treatment, you may feel more tired, so may want somebody to come with you, but this is different for everybody. You are always welcome to bring a friend or family member to any of your appointments.
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