Colon and rectal cancer treatments: surgery, chemotherapy, biologics, radiation
A look at treatment options for your specific needs
What are the treatment options for colorectal cancer?
Treatment for colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon or rectum) depends on the location of the tumor and the stage-of-diagnosis. Treatment may involve:
Treatment for colorectal cancer by stage
Stage describes the extent of the cancer in the body and is one of the most important factors in determining prognosis and treatment options.
The higher stages of cancer require advanced treatment options.
Stage 0 = Earliest stage of colorectal cancer
Stage 4 = Most advanced stage of colorectal cancer
| STAGE | SURGERY | CHEMOTHERAPY / BIOLOGICS |
RADIATION | INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 0 | Yes | No | No | No |
| Stage 1 | Yes | No | No | No |
| Stage 2 | Yes | Yes, for rectal and high risk colon cancers. FOLFOX (5-FU/Leucovorin/Oxaliplatin) or CapeOx (Capecitabine/ Oxaliplatin) | Yes, for rectal cancer. Given in tandem with 5-FU or Xeloda | No |
| Stage 3 | Yes | FOLFOX or CapeOx | Yes, for rectal cancer. Given in tandem with 5-FU or Xeloda | No |
| Stage 4 | Yes, if the tumor is obstructive or blocking the bowel. No, if the tumor is not blocking the bowel | FOLFOX, FOLFIRI, FOLFIRINOX, Irinotecan, Avastin, Erbitux, Vectibix, Zaltrap, Stivarga, Lonsurf, Cyramza | Yes, for rectal cancer and in certain other cases | Possibly. Options could be Radio Frequency Ablation (RFA), Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT), or chemoembolization |
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