Metastatic

Describes cancer that has spread from where it started to other parts of the body.

“Metastatic” describes cancer that has spread from the place it began to other parts of the body. For example, breast cancer that has traveled to the bones is still breast cancer — it’s called metastatic breast cancer, not bone cancer. Doctors may also call this advanced or stage 4 cancer.

Hearing this word is frightening, but it doesn’t mean options run out. Many treatments, including today’s standard of care, are designed specifically for metastatic cancer, and a large share of clinical trials are, too. In fact, some trials are open only to people whose cancer has spread — so this word can actually widen the choices worth exploring.