Medically reviewed by Chloe Atreya, M.D.
Colon cancer, also called colorectal cancer, is one of the most common cancers in the US.
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
A special tool is used to detach and remove polyp(s) from the colon
Performed during a colonoscopy for superficial, early stage cancer
Colectomy
Removes part or all of the colon when the cancer has developed
If part of the colon is removed, the two ends are reattached
If it’s not possible to reattach the colon, you’ll need a colostomy
Minimally invasive; performed as laparoscopic or robotic-assisted surgery
Colostomy
Diverts food waste from the large intestine (colon) to an opening in the abdomen, called a stoma
Can be temporary or permanent
Ileostomy
Attaches part of the small intestine to an opening in the abdomen (a stoma), so that food waste can exit
Can be temporary or permanent
Ablation and embolization
Used to destroy small tumors that have spread to other places, like the liver or lungs
Radiation, Chemotherapy & Targeted Therapy
These treatments are often used to shrink tumors before surgery, or to kill any cancer cells left behind after surgery. Treatments vary, depending on the stage and location of the cancer (colon vs. rectal).
Radiation therapy
- Destroys cancer cells via high energy waves
- More common for rectal cancer, but sometimes may be appropriate for colon cancer
- Can be external or internal
Chemotherapy
- Drugs that travel through the blood and attack cancer cells
- Given by injection or taken by mouth
- Often goes in cycles with rest periods in between to minimize side effects
In advanced stages when surgery isn’t an option, radiation and/or chemo can help shrink tumors and slow the growth of cancer.
Targeted therapy
- Drugs that target specific proteins in cancer cells
- Used alone or alongside chemo, after testing for certain biomarker
- Given by injection or taken by mouth
- Might help people with advanced colon cancer live longer
Immunotherapy
Can be used for some people with certain types of colorectal cancer
Helps the immune system find and destroy cancer cells
Typically given by injection
Clinical Trials
Research studies that involve real patients
May focus on new treatments, like emerging immunotherapy drugs
May look at ways to improve current treatments
Taking part in a clinical trial can give you more options, and they’re a very important part of developing better treatments for colon cancer. It’s 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 support from Daiichi Sankyo, Merck and Takeda Oncology.
