Being told that colorectal cancer has spread to the liver is not the same conversation as being told you have cancer. It is a second shock, and it usually arrives with a number attached and very little explanation of what happens next.

Here is the part that often goes unsaid in that appointment. Stage 4 colorectal cancer is treated actively, and for some patients it is treated with the goal of cure rather than control. Which of those applies is specific to your case, and it is knowable.

At SCMSC the three parts of that treatment are handled inside one practice: the colon or rectum, the liver, and tumors treated through the blood vessels. Dr. Bobby, Dr. Sammy and Dr. Navid Eghbalieh are brothers, they share a practice, and they discuss cases like yours together.

The SCMSC Difference: A Family United Against Cancer

Dr. Babak (Bobby) Eghbalieh, a renowned pancreatic and robotic surgeon, works alongside his brothers Dr. Sammy Eghbalieh, an endovascular and vascular surgeon, and Dr. Navid Eghbalieh, an interventional radiologist. Together, they form a powerhouse team uniquely equipped to tackle complex cases like stage 4 colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver.

Our collaborative cancer care model ensures that each patient benefits from a multidisciplinary team approach. This means you're not just getting one expert opinion, but three – all working in harmony to develop the most effective treatment plan for your specific case.

Understanding Stage 4 Colorectal Cancer

When colon cancer spreads to other organs, particularly the liver, it presents unique challenges. At this advanced stage, cancer cells have traveled through the bloodstream or lymphatic system, forming new tumors in distant parts of the body.

The symptoms of stage 4 colorectal cancer

Symptoms may include changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and in cases of liver metastasis, jaundice or abdominal swelling. However, some patients may not experience noticeable symptoms, which is why regular screenings are crucial.

Comprehensive Diagnosis and Staging

Our process begins with a thorough diagnosis using state-of-the-art imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In some cases, a liver biopsy may be necessary to confirm the extent of the disease.

Tailored Treatment Plans

Once we have a clear picture of your condition, our team develops a personalized treatment plan. This may include a combination of:

• Surgery: Dr. Bobby Eghbalieh's expertise in robotic surgery allows for precise tumor removal with minimal invasiveness.
• Vascular Interventions: Dr. Sammy Eghbalieh's skills come into play for managing blood flow to tumors and potentially delivering targeted therapies directly to the liver.
• Interventional Radiology: Dr. Navid Eghbalieh employs cutting-edge techniques to target and destroy cancer cells with pinpoint accuracy.
• Chemotherapy: Often used in conjunction with other treatments to kill cancer cells throughout the body.
• Radiation Therapy: May be recommended to shrink tumors or alleviate symptoms.

What survival statistics actually tell you

If you have looked this up, you have probably found that the five-year relative survival rate for stage 4 colorectal cancer is around 14 percent. That figure is real. It is also an average across every person with stage 4 disease, including those whose cancer had spread well beyond the liver by the time it was found.

It does not describe any individual, and for colorectal cancer that has reached the liver it can mislead in a specific way. The question that predicts far more about an outcome is whether the liver tumors can be removed. When they can be, either immediately or after chemotherapy shrinks them enough to make it possible, long-term survival is substantially better than the average suggests.

That is why the first useful step is not a statistic. It is finding out which situation you are actually in, which takes imaging and a surgeon who treats colorectal liver metastases regularly.

Innovative Approaches to Stage 4 Colorectal Cancer

At SCMSC, we're at the forefront of advanced cancer treatment in Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley. Our team is constantly exploring new ways to improve outcomes for our patients:

• Innovative Approaches to Stage 4 Colorectal Cancer

  Treatment for stage 4 colorectal cancer has changed considerably, and several of the approaches now in routine use were not available a decade ago. The ones below are the treatments used at SCMSC for patients whose cancer has reached the liver.

• Liver-Directed Therapy (Y90)

  One of those options is Y90 radioembolization. Tiny radioactive beads are delivered directly into the blood vessels feeding a liver tumor, treating it from the inside while sparing healthy liver tissue. It can destroy smaller tumors outright, and it can shrink larger ones enough to make surgery possible that was not possible before.

  Dr. Navid Eghbalieh performs these procedures at SCMSC. He is dual board-certified in interventional radiology and diagnostic radiology, serves as Assistant Clinical Professor of Radiology at UCLA, and is Medical Director of Vascular and Interventional Oncology at Providence Holy Cross Medical Center.

• Immunotherapy Coordination

  We work closely with your oncologists to make sure any immunotherapy you receive fits neatly into your overall plan. While we don’t provide immunotherapy in-house, we stay involved every step of the way, helping you get a treatment approach that matches your specific cancer type.

• Pain Management & Minimally Invasive Techniques

  We’re big believers in keeping you as comfortable as possible. Our surgeons rely on robotic and endovascular methods for liver operations, which often means less pain and faster healing than traditional open surgery. By cutting down on discomfort, we let you focus on what matters most—staying strong and taking control of your health.

Beyond Treatment: Comprehensive Patient Care

We understand that cancer care extends beyond just treating the disease. Our patient-focused approach includes:

• Pain Management: We work diligently to control symptoms and reduce pain, ensuring your comfort throughout the treatment process.
• Emotional Support: Our team includes mental health professionals to help you and your family members cope with the challenges of a cancer diagnosis.
• Nutritional Guidance: Proper nutrition fuels your body and aids recovery. We offer personalized dietary advice and suggest specific supplements when needed to keep you strong.
• Palliative Care: When needed, we offer specialized care focused on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life.

Clinical Trials and Cutting-Edge Research

As part of our commitment to providing the best possible care, we actively participate in clinical trials. This gives our patients access to promising new treatments that may not be widely available elsewhere.

Why patients choose SCMSC for stage 4 colorectal cancer

Cancer that has spread affects more than the organs it has reached. Nutrition, pain, energy, and the ability to keep working or caring for a family all change, and each of those is managed here rather than referred out.

Complex cases are not turned away. If you have been told your situation is too complicated, or you already have a treatment plan and want another surgeon to look at it before you commit, that is a conversation worth having.

• Unparalleled Expertise: Our unique combination of specialties allows us to approach your treatment from multiple angles.
• Cutting-Edge Technology: We invest in the latest medical advancements to offer you the best possible care.
• Personalized Attention: You're not just a patient to us – you're family. We take the time to answer your questions and address your concerns.
• Comprehensive Support: From diagnosis through treatment and beyond, we're with you every step of the way.

Don't face this journey alone. Contact SCMSC today to schedule a consultation and experience the difference our collaborative, family-centered approach can make in your cancer care.