Colon cancer, also called colorectal cancer, is one of the most common cancers in the United States.
There are several treatment options and the best treatment depends on how far the cancer has progressed.
Sometimes more than one treatment option is combined.
Surgery
Polypectomy
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A special tool is used to separate and remove colon polyps.
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Done during a colonoscopy for early-stage superficial cancer
colectomy
Colostomy
ileostomy
Ablation and embolization
Radiation, chemotherapy and targeted therapy
These treatments are often used to shrink tumors before surgery or to kill cancer cells that remain after surgery. Treatments vary depending on the stage and location of the cancer (colon or rectal).
Radiotherapy
- Destroys cancer cells using high energy waves.
- Most common for rectal cancer, but may sometimes be appropriate for colon cancer
- It can be external or internal
Chemotherapy
- Medicines that travel through the blood and attack cancer cells.
- Administered by injection or orally.
- It is often done in cycles with rest periods in between to minimize side effects.
In advanced stages, when surgery is not an option, radiation and/or chemotherapy can help shrink tumors and slow cancer growth.
Targeted therapy
- Drugs that target specific proteins on cancer cells.
- It is used alone or along with chemotherapy, after testing for certain biomarkers.
- Administered by injection or orally.
- Could help people with advanced colon cancer live longer
Immunotherapy
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It may be used for some people with certain types of colorectal cancer.
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Helps the immune system find and destroy cancer cells.
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It is usually administered by injection
Clinical trials
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Research studies involving real patients.
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It may focus on new treatments, such as emerging immunotherapy drugs.
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You can look for ways to improve current treatments.
Participating in a clinical trial can give you more options and is a very important part of developing better treatments for colon cancer. It is important to work with your healthcare team to determine if an open clinical trial is a good option for you.
This educational resource was created with the support of Daiichi Sankyo, Merck, and Takeda Oncology.
