Chemotherapy for colon and rectal cancer
Treating colorectal cancer systemically.
Chemotherapy is a systemic treatment, meaning that the medications flow through
the bloodstream to nearly every part of the body. Often, two or more
chemotherapy drugs are used together in combination therapy to enhance their effectiveness.
Chemotherapy can be used in conjunction with surgery or radiation treatment.
Chemotherapy given before surgery and/or radiation is called neoadjuvant therapy.
Chemotherapy given with radiation or after surgery is known as adjuvant therapy.
Chemotherapy can be used to kill cancer cells, stop colorectal cancer from spreading,
slow the growth of cancer, or relieve symptoms that are caused by cancer.
Chemotherapy is given:
- By mouth in tablets, capsules, or liquid form
- Intravenously (often called IV)
- By IV through a catheter.
- By injection with a needle and syringe
Learn about
other treatment options for colon or rectal cancer