How is colorectal cancer treated?

The goal of the treatment of colorectal cancer is to permanently cure the cancer or to bring about a complete remission of the disease. Remission means that there is no longer any sign of cancer in the body, although cancer may recur or relapse later.

Colorectal cancer treatment plans use a multifaceted approach that is individualized to your age, medical history, coexisting diseases and conditions, and the type, location and stage of the disease.

Colorectal cancer that is found in its very earliest stage and is limited to the inside of the polyp may be treated simply by removing the polyp. Cancer within the wall of the colon that has not spread to other organs outside of the colon may be treated by surgical removal of a section of colon containing the cancer. If colorectal cancer has gone beyond this stage or spread outside the colon, treatment may require a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

Colorectal cancer treatment may include an individualized combination of:

• Chemotherapy for cases of colorectal cancer that have spread through the wall of the colon or to other organs such as the liver
• Colectomy to surgically remove the cancerous section of the colon and surrounding areas. If possible, the remaining healthy sections of the colon are then rejoined to maintain a normal passageway for stool. In some cases, such as in some colorectal cancers of the lowest portion of the colon, this may not be possible, and a passageway for stool must be made through the abdominal wall. This is called a colostomy.
• Dietary counseling to help people with cancer maintain their strength and nutritional status
• Pain medications as needed
• Palliative care to improve overall quality of life for families and patients with serious diseases
• Participation in a clinical trial to test promising new therapies and treatments for colorectal cancer
• Physical therapy to help strengthen the body, increase alertness, reduce fatigue, and improve functional ability during and after cancer treatment
• Radiation therapy for cases of colorectal cancer that have spread through the colon wall
• Removal of adenomatous intestinal polyps by colonoscopy or surgery
• Testing of nearby lymph nodes for the presence of cancer cells, which indicates that the colorectal cancer has spread outside the colon

Complementary treatments

Some complementary treatments may help some people to better cope with colorectal cancer and its treatments. These treatments, sometimes referred to as alternative therapies, are used in conjunction with traditional medical treatments. Complementary treatments are not meant to substitute for traditional medical care. Be sure to notify your doctor if you are consuming nutritional supplements or homeopathic (nonprescription) remedies as they may interact with the prescribed medical therapy.

Complementary treatments may include:

• Acupuncture
• Massage therapy
• Nutritional dietary supplements, herbal remedies, tea beverages, and similar products
• Yoga

Hospice care

In cases in which colorectal cancer has progressed to an advanced stage and has become unresponsive to treatment, the goal of treatment may shift away from curing the disease and focus on measures to keep a person comfortable and maximize the quality of life. Hospice care involves medically controlling pain and other symptoms while providing psychological and spiritual support as well as services to support the patient's family.

In some cases, surgery may be performed to clear an intestinal obstruction and help relieve symptoms, but not necessarily as a curative treatment.