Treatment

• Treatment for colorectal cancer is primarily determined by the extent of involvement of the colon wall and several other key factors, including:
• Cancer stage – Whether the tumor is confined to the inner lining of the colon or has spread to nearby lymph nodes, organs, or distant sites.
• Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels – Elevated CEA levels in the blood may influence treatment decisions and help monitor response.
• Genetic factors – Presence of specific genetic mutations in tumor or stool cells can guide targeted therapies.
• Tumor penetration – Whether the cancer has invaded or passed through the layers of the colon wall. Complications – Such as bowel obstruction or perforation (a hole in the colon).
• Surgical options – Whether the entire tumor can be completely removed with surgery.
• Overall health status – The patient’s general health and ability to tolerate treatment.
• Disease status – Whether the cancer is newly diagnosed or has recurred after previous treatment

See the Colon Cancer Treatment (PDQ®) - NCI or NCCN guidelines Detail (nccn.org) for more complete information on treatment for Colorectal cancers. Both these websites are updated regularly with current clinical practices.

Updated: June 24, 2025