Stage IV Ampullary Cancer with Liver and Lung Metastasis: Treatment Insights

Stage IV ampullary carcinoma with liver and lung metastases?

Hello, my mother was diagnosed with stage IV ampullary cancer after going to the hospital for diarrhea in March of this year.
She is not a candidate for surgery and started chemotherapy on May 10th, having completed four sessions so far.
During this time, she experienced slight discomfort and loss of appetite for a day or two after each chemotherapy session, but she has been able to eat normally afterward, maintaining her usual food intake.
She is also able to move around without issues and reports no discomfort when asked.
However, her weight has been steadily decreasing, totaling about nine kilograms lost over the four sessions.
After the fourth session, she mentioned that her weight was only 0.3 kilograms less than after the third session.
Does this indicate that the chemotherapy is effective? I have heard from friends that their family members with cancer were unable to stand after two or three sessions of chemotherapy and could not eat.
Additionally, the doctor initially estimated that my mother has about a year left.
I would like to ask if there are any known cases of stage IV ampullary cancer being cured and surviving for more than a year.
Thank you.

buee, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/07/25

Dr. Hu Ziren reply Oncology

During cancer treatment, appetite may decrease or weight loss may occur due to the cancer itself or cancer-related therapies.
However, if the decreased appetite occurs only 2-3 days after chemotherapy, it likely represents an acute side effect of the treatment.
It sounds like your mother's current cancer condition is relatively stable and she is responding well to the related treatments, with an average survival time likely exceeding 1-2 years.
However, if there is significant weight loss and tumor progression, combined with cachexia, the prognosis may be limited to 6-12 months.

Reply Date: 2021/07/25

More Info

Stage IV ampullary cancer, particularly when accompanied by metastasis to the liver and lungs, presents a significant challenge in terms of treatment and prognosis. Your mother’s situation, having undergone four cycles of chemotherapy since May, is indeed a complex one, and it’s understandable to seek clarity on her condition and treatment efficacy.

Firstly, the fact that your mother has experienced only mild discomfort following chemotherapy and has maintained her appetite and daily activities is a positive sign. Weight loss is common in cancer patients, especially those undergoing chemotherapy, but the minimal weight loss after the fourth cycle could suggest that her body is adapting to the treatment. This is often a good indicator that the chemotherapy may be having an effect, as severe side effects can sometimes indicate a more aggressive reaction to the treatment. However, it’s essential to monitor her overall health and any changes in symptoms closely.

In terms of treatment, stage IV ampullary cancer is generally considered advanced and often not curable. However, there are cases where patients have responded well to chemotherapy, leading to significant disease stabilization or even partial remission. The goal of treatment in such advanced stages is typically to manage symptoms, prolong survival, and improve quality of life rather than to achieve a cure.
Regarding your question about the possibility of surviving more than a year with stage IV ampullary cancer, there are indeed documented cases where patients have lived beyond a year, especially if they respond well to treatment. Factors influencing survival include the patient's overall health, the specific characteristics of the cancer, and how well the cancer responds to the chosen treatment regimen.
It’s also worth noting that the prognosis can vary significantly among individuals. Some patients may experience a more indolent course of the disease, while others may have a more aggressive form. The fact that your mother is feeling relatively well and maintaining her daily activities is encouraging.
As for the treatment options, if the chemotherapy is effective, the oncologist may consider continuing with the current regimen or possibly switching to another treatment if the cancer shows signs of progression. Additionally, supportive care, including nutritional support and palliative care, can play a crucial role in maintaining quality of life.

In conclusion, while stage IV ampullary cancer is serious, there are instances of prolonged survival, particularly with effective management and treatment. Continuous communication with her healthcare team is vital to ensure that her treatment plan is tailored to her specific needs and responses. Regular imaging and blood tests will help assess the effectiveness of the chemotherapy and guide future treatment decisions.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Duodenal Ampulla Cancer: Insights from Treatment Reports

Hello, In May of this year, my mother was diagnosed with stage IV duodenal ampullary cancer and is not a candidate for surgery. After six cycles of chemotherapy, the tumor did not shrink, and she underwent three additional cycles. She just completed her ninth chemotherapy sessi...

Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology
Buee / 42 years old / Male 1. How is the progression of the disease? A: The assessment of the condition is best left to his attending physician. 2. Attached are the CEA and CA19-9 data, which seem to have suddenly surged twice recently. Does this indicate that the chemotherapy...

Understanding Stage IV Lung Adenocarcinoma: Treatment and Prognosis

Hello, my mother has been diagnosed with stage IV lung adenocarcinoma. The discharge summary states: 1. Malignant lung tumor (right-sided infiltrating adenocarcinoma); 2. Mediastinal lymph node metastasis; 3. Multiple bone metastases (bilateral iliac bones); 4. Pleural metastasis...

Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology
Mr. Huang: Hello. 1. A: There is no definite relationship between side effects and efficacy; many people take medication without experiencing side effects, yet it is effective. Some side effects, such as dermatitis, may occur a month later. During the time when the treatment is e...

Managing Rising Cancer Markers: Treatment Options for Advanced Pancreatic Cancer

Hello, my father was diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer in December, with vascular involvement making surgery impossible. His CA19-9 level is 340, and he has completed a regimen of 7 days of chemotherapy followed by 1 week off, and will continue with a regimen of 3 weeks o...

Dr. Hu Ziren reply Oncology
It is recommended to discuss with the attending physician for more appropriate guidance!

Understanding Chemotherapy Effectiveness for Advanced Cholangiocarcinoma

Hello Dr. Hu: The elder has been diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma, which has metastasized to the thoracic vertebrae, liver, and duodenum. The thoracic vertebrae have been partially resected, but there is almost no sensation in the lower body, and the patient is unable to move. T...

Dr. Hu Ziren reply Oncology
Each patient's response to chemotherapy varies, but if the patient is newly diagnosed with adequate physical condition and normal cardiopulmonary and renal function, chemotherapy (or possibly adding self-funded immunotherapy) can be considered. Approximately 20-30% of patien...