[ Care pathway for rectal cancer ](/en/patient/treatments-and-examinations/cancer/care-pathway-rectal-cancer#if-the-disease-recurs-or-treat)--- # Treatment of metastatic rectal cancer Bowel cancer may metastasize. The most typical sites of metastases are the liver, lungs, lymph nodes, and abdominal cavity. According to current medical knowledge, it is not possible to cure a metastatic bowel cancer permanently with medication. ## Slowing down the disease --- We can slow down the progress of rectal cancer and alleviate possible symptoms of the disease. Treatments are constantly being developed, and patient prognoses and treatment outcomes are thereby improving. Depending on the disease situation, we treat metastatic cancer by combining different chemotherapy. We often combine chemotherapy with biological targeted drugs, i.e. targeted drug therapy against cancer. The choice of treatment depends on the biological properties of the cancerous tumor, the extent of the disease, and the objectives of your treatment. ## Radiation therapy in the treatment of metastatic rectal cancer --- Radiation therapy is required in case of a symptomatic tumor in the rectal area. Metastases may also be subjected to radiation therapy in some selected cases. We evaluate the potential for surgical treatment for every patient with metastatic bowel cancer. It is possible to cure some metastasized cancer patients permanently, if it is possible to remove the metastases surgically. Such cases typically involve metastases in the liver, lungs or, in some cases, in the peritoneum. ## Phase of the service path ## From symptoms to diagnosis ## Getting a diagnosis ## Treatments ## After treatments Paragraph Updated: 06.02.2024 Print this page