Download Colorectal Cancer Treatment Options by Stage of Diagnosis

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
Surgery
Chemotherapy/Biologics
Radiation
Interventional
Radiology
Stage 0
Yes
No
No
No
Stage I
Yes
No
No
No
Stage II
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 III
Yes
FOLFOX or CapeOx
Yes, for rectal cancer.
Given in tandem
with 5-FU or Xeloda
No
Stage 0 =
Earliest stage of cancer
Stage IV
Yes, if the tumor is
obstructive or blocking the bowel
FOLFOX or FOLFIRI (5-FU/Leucovorin/Irinotecan) plus Bevacizumab
or Cetuximab or Panitumumab or
Ziv-aflibercept or Regorafenib
(if previously treated with these
other options)
Yes, for rectal cancer
and in certain other
cases
Possibly. Options
could be Radio
Frequency
Ablation (RFA) or
chemoembolization
Stage IV=
Most advanced stage
of cancer
No, if the tumor is
not blocking the
bowel
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.
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
Generic Name
5Fluorouracil (5FU)
---
Camptosar Irinotecan/CPT-11
Xeloda Capecitabine
Eloxatin Oxaliplatin
Stivarga Regorafenib
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
Generic Name
Avastin Bevacizumab
Erbitux Cetuximab
Vectibix Panitumumab
Zaltrap Ziv-aflibercept
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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