Revolutionary Technologies for Colorectal Cancer Treatment
The way colorectal cancer is treated today is far advanced from even 10 years ago. We’re also able to see how well your body is responding to the treatments without waiting several weeks to do more imaging tests.
If cancer is found in one or more lymph nodes (also called lymph-node positive) during surgery, or there is cancer in other areas of the body, chemotherapy follows surgery. If chemotherapy will be part of your treatment it will usually be 2-4 weeks following surgery before treatment begins.
For most colorectal patients a type of chemotherapy called FOLFOX is recommended. This type of chemotherapy treatment needs to be given continuously over 48 hours. You don’t need to stay in the hospital during this time and can go home! Most patients are sent home with a cartridge or ball that contains the chemotherapy connected to the patient’s chemo port. In a few days, you’ll go back to the office to have it disconnected. Be sure you talk to your team about any side effects you’re feeling at this time.
Some patients are able to take their colorectal chemo treatment as an oral version of the drugs. Talk to your oncologist about whether this is right for you.
RAS Mutation
If tests indicate wild type, then this means that you may respond to anti-EGFR therapy. If you respond to this type of treatment, you may not get Avastin. Instead, you may receive anti-EGFR therapy.
HER2 Status
It's important to know your anti-HER2 status. If you are HER2 positive, then it is likely you will receive anti-HER2 therapy for colorectal cancer.
Microsatellite Instability Testing (MSI), or High Tumor Mutation Burden (TMB)
This is associated with genetic instability. This tells the oncologist whether the patient will potentially respond to immunotherapy, rather than a targeted therapy. Immunotherapy works by blocking cancer's ability to hide from the immune system. Additionally, it stimulates the immune system to attack cancer.
Free Guide for Newly Diagnosed Colorectal Cancer Patients
Get helpful tips on what to expect and how to prepare your mind and body for colorectal cancer treatment.
Radiation therapy (also called radiotherapy) uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. It affects cancer cells only in the treated area. When you receive radiation treatment for cancer at RMCC, you will be in the hands of a highly-skilled radiation therapy team that has your best interests at heart.
External Radiation
Radiation is precisely delivered to the area of the body being treated with a linear accelerator while avoiding nearby healthy organs and tissue. In most cases, you will need to visit the cancer center five days a week for several weeks to receive treatment.
Internal Radiation
Internal radiation therapy is used for rectal cancer in some cases. An applicator containing radioactive pellets are placed inside the body so that the radiation can be delivered as close to the tumor as possible.
