What is Advanced-Stage Cancer?
Advanced-stage cancer (also referred to as late-stage cancer) describes a stage where the cancer has spread from its original location to distant areas or different parts of the body, or has grown into a large tumor. This stage represents the progression of cancer within the body, often accompanied by fewer available treatment options.
Cancer staging is the process of evaluating the size of the cancer, extent of its spread, and the organs it affects. Cancers are typically classified from Stage 0 to Stage IV. When referring to advanced-stage cancer, it generally includes Stage III and Stage IV cancers.
Symptoms and Prognosis
The symptoms and prognosis of advanced-stage cancer vary greatly depending on the type of cancer and the organ system affected. In general, patients with advanced-stage cancer may require more intensive treatment, and the likelihood of achieving a cure decreases. Therefore, early detection is critically important for improving outcomes.
Treatment Options
Treatment methods for advanced-stage cancer depend on the type of cancer and the severity of the stage. Available treatments may include:
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Surgical intervention
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Chemotherapy
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Radiotherapy
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Targeted therapies
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Immunotherapy
Treatment plans are tailored to each patient’s specific needs by a multidisciplinary medical team.
Genetic Screening Tests in Advanced-Stage Cancer
Today, in addition to identifying the organ or tissue of origin, determining the underlying molecular mechanisms that drive cancer has become even more critical.
When genetic tests are performed on cancer tissue, driver mutations are identified. These mutations typically have a high detection rate in tissue and directly impact proteins associated with cancer development. In addition to driver mutations, passenger mutations can also be detected. These mutations usually occur at a lower frequency than driver mutations and may influence the course of the disease, such as by enabling metastasis to distant organs. Detecting these mutations is important for determining which drugs a tumor is sensitive or resistant to. The accumulation of such mutations plays an even more significant role in advanced-stage cancers.
Although tests may vary by patient, the following assessments are commonly performed. As scientific understanding improves, it is certain that new tests will continue to be added to these panels.
The Shift Toward Tumor-Agnostic Approaches
As our knowledge and experience with cancer have expanded, so too has our approach to advanced-stage cancers. A tumor-agnostic approach is now widely accepted. This treatment strategy targets the genetic and molecular characteristics of the cancer, regardless of the cancer’s type or the location where it first developed. Tumor-agnostic therapy involves using the same drug to treat all cancer types that share a specific genetic mutation or biomarker. It is a form of targeted therapy.
This approach strengthens our ability to manage both early-stage and advanced-stage cancers. Broad panels are now used, and when a specific genetic alteration is identified, therapies targeting that change are planned. This personalized approach helps to improve both the quality of life and survival outcomes for patients.
Genetic Tests Commonly Used for Advanced-Stage Cancers
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PDL1 Expression
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MSI (Microsatellite Instability)
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Tumor Mutation Burden (TMB)
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Fusion Panels
