Colorectal Cancer Treatment Options by Stage of Diagnosis

The information below will help you understand some of the treatment options available during each stage of colorectal cancer.

Stages of Colorectal Cancer

The 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 cancer Stage IV= Most advanced stage of cancer
Stage Stage 0 Stage I Stage II Surgery Yes Yes Yes Chemotherapy/Biologics No No Yes, for rectal and high risk colon cancers. FOLFOX (5-FU/ Leucovorin/Oxaliplatin) or CapeOx (Capecitabine/ Oxaliplatin) FOLFOX or CapeOx Radiation No No Yes, for rectal cancer. Given in tandem with 5-FU or Xeloda Interventional Radiology No No No

Stage III

Yes

Yes, for rectal cancer. Given in tandem with 5-FU or Xeloda Yes, for rectal cancer and in certain other cases

No

Stage IV

Yes, if the tumor is obstructive or blocking the bowel No, if the tumor is not blocking the bowel

FOLFOX or FOLFIRI (5-FU/ Leucovorin/Irinotecan) plus Bevacizumab or Cetuximab or Panitumumab

Possibly. Options could be Radio Frequency Ablation (RFA) or chemoembolization

Treatment Options for Colorectal Cancer

Understanding all the treatment options available to you can be overwhelming. What treatment will work for you? Which methods have proven to be most effective? Use this guide to explore your choices, get the facts about the latest breakthroughs, and understand what each treatment option involves so you can work with your doctor to make an informed decision. Clinical trials are also available for all stages of colorectal cancer.

Biologics
Biologics include a wide range of substances from animal products and other living sources (as opposed to chemically manufactured medications) to prevent, diagnose or treat disease. Trade Name Avastin Erbitux Vectibix Generic Name Bevacizumab Cetuximab Panitumumab

Surgery/Resection
Resection is the partial or complete removal of an organ, such as the colon, liver or lung.

Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy refers to treatment using chemicals to kill cells that divide rapidly, such as harmful cancer cells. Trade Name 5Fluorouracil (5FU) Camptosar Xeloda Eloxatin Generic Name --Irinotecan/CPT-11 Capecitabine Oxaliplatin

Interventional Radiology
Interventional Radiology is a minimally invasive procedure involving the precise placement of a needle into the body using imaging (MRI, X-ray, etc.) to target treatment to the source of the disease. Treatment Types Radio Frequency Ablation (RFA) This procedure is used to treat unresectable metastatic disease. An electrical current is used to burn away the remaining tumor. Chemoembolization Cancer-fighting agents are injected directly to the site of a cancer tumor. Microspheres This procedure uses a catheter to deliver tiny beads called microspheres that are coated with radiation, directly into the tumor.

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