Limited Metastatic Cancer Program

Hope for Patients with Metastatic Cancer

A diagnosis of metastatic cancer doesn’t always mean that your cancer cannot be controlled long term, or even eliminated.

A Long History of Rethinking Treatment for Metastatic Cancer

In 1995, University of Chicago’s Ralph Weichselbaum, MD, and Samuel Hellman, MD, were the first cancer experts in the world to suggest that certain metastatic cancers could be controlled long term, or even eliminated if the tumors were limited to a few sites. They named this state of cancer “oligometastasis,” Greek for “a few that spread.” 

Since then, cancer experts at the University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center have helped many patients achieve long-term survival by pushing the boundaries of treatment for metastatic cancer. As a result, some cancers that were once considered unmanageable can now be treated to achieve a long term disease free state. 

Today, the Limited Metastatic Cancer Program (L-MEC) at UChicago Medicine is widely regarded internationally as leading the study and treatment of oligometastatic cancer. Through our groundbreaking research program, we have identified new ways of testing metastatic cancers at the molecular level to determine which patients are most likely to benefit from localized, aggressive treatment, alone or in combination with personalized comprehensive treatments.

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.

Treating Metastatic Cancer with Optimism and Hope

If you are diagnosed with metastatic cancer — also known as stage 4 cancer or stage IV cancer — we strongly encourage you to reach out to our Limited Metastatic Cancer Program by calling 855-702-8222. Our knowledgeable scheduling coordinators will help you find the best cancer care team for your needs.

Many factors determine your candidacy for aggressive treatment of metastatic cancer, including:

• The type of cancer you have, which may be any type of solid tumor 
• The number and location of sites where cancer has spread in your body
• The pace of how your metastatic disease spread from time of diagnosis 
• Your previous cancer treatments (treatment history)
• Your age and overall health

We will determine if any additional testing is needed and schedule you for a visit with members of our multidisciplinary team, which includes a radiation oncologist, surgical oncologist and medical oncologist. Then, you will meet with the appropriate specialists, who will work with you to develop an individualized plan including the most innovative therapies — such as highly precise radiation treatments, novel surgical approaches and the most promising chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy drugs — aimed at combatting your cancer and improving your quality of life.