Colon Cancer: Risks, Early Detection, And How To Treat

How to Treat Colon Cancer

The treatment of colon cancer depends on the stage of the disease, the location of the tumor, and the patient’s overall health. Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.

Surgery

Surgery is the most common treatment for colon cancer. The type of surgery depends on the stage and location of the cancer.

Polypectomy

For very early-stage cancers, a polypectomy can be performed during a colonoscopy to remove polyps.

Local Excision

Early-stage cancers can be removed with a local excision, which removes the cancerous part of the colon along with a small amount of surrounding tissue.

Colectomy

A colectomy involves removing part or all of the colon. It can be performed in different ways:

Partial Colectomy (Hemicolectomy): Removes the cancerous part of the colon and nearby lymph nodes.
Total Colectomy: Removes the entire colon. This is less common and usually reserved for specific conditions or extensive cancer.

Laparoscopic Surgery

Minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery uses several small incisions and special instruments to remove the cancerous tissue. This method often results in shorter recovery times and less postoperative pain.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. It is often used in combination with other treatments, particularly for rectal cancer, to shrink tumors before surgery or to kill remaining cancer cells after surgery.

External Beam Radiation

External beam radiation directs radiation from outside the body to the cancer site. It is commonly used before surgery to shrink tumors or after surgery to eliminate residual cancer cells.

Internal Radiation (Brachytherapy)

Internal radiation places radioactive material inside the body near the cancer cells. This method is less commonly used for colon cancer but can be effective in certain cases.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells or stop their growth. It can be used at various stages of colon cancer treatment:

Adjuvant Chemotherapy

Adjuvant chemotherapy is given after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence.

Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is given before surgery to shrink the tumor and make it easier to remove.

Systemic Chemotherapy

Systemic chemotherapy circulates throughout the body, targeting cancer cells that may have spread beyond the colon.

Common chemotherapy drugs for colon cancer include:

Fluorouracil (5-FU): Often combined with other drugs such as leucovorin or oxaliplatin.
Capecitabine: An oral drug that is converted to 5-FU in the body.
Oxaliplatin: Used in combination with 5-FU and leucovorin.
Irinotecan: Often used in advanced or recurrent cases.

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy uses drugs that specifically target cancer cell mechanisms, sparing normal cells. These drugs can be effective for certain types of colon cancer.

Monoclonal Antibodies

Monoclonal antibodies are designed to target specific proteins on cancer cells. Examples include:

Bevacizumab: Targets vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to inhibit blood vessel growth that feeds tumors.
Cetuximab and Panitumumab: Target epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) to block signals that promote cancer cell growth.

Small Molecule Inhibitors

Small molecule inhibitors interfere with specific molecules involved in cancer growth and survival. Examples include:

Regorafenib: A multi-kinase inhibitor that targets several proteins involved in tumor growth.
Trifluridine/tipiracil: A combination drug used in advanced or recurrent colon cancer.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy enhances the body’s immune system to fight cancer. It has shown promise in treating certain types of colon cancer, particularly those with specific genetic markers.

Checkpoint Inhibitors

Checkpoint inhibitors help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. Examples include:

Pembrolizumab and Nivolumab: Target the PD-1 pathway to enhance immune response against cancer cells.

Clinical Trials

Clinical trials offer access to new and experimental treatments that may be more effective than standard therapies. Participation in clinical trials can provide valuable information for developing better treatments for colon cancer.