Treatment Colorectal Cancer Treatment

Surgery

Surgery is the most common and effective treatment for colorectal cancer, especially if it has not spread. Our surgeons are among the most experienced in the country and have helped establish national quality standards for the treatment of colorectal cancer. They have also developed novel methods to improve staging accuracy and have published the first randomized trial ever evaluating staging methods in colon cancer.

Colorectal cancer may be treated with surgery alone, surgery and chemotherapy, and/or other treatments.

Doctors in Surgery
Minimally Invasive Surgery

Minimally Invasive Laparoscopic or Robotic Colorectal Cancer Surgery

Your doctor will decide whether it is best to perform traditional open surgery or minimally invasive laparoscopic or robotic surgery. Our surgeons are very experienced in minimally invasive techniques to treat colorectal cancer.

During minimally invasive surgery, small cuts are made in the abdomen. A tiny camera and surgical instruments are inserted through the cuts and the surgeon uses video imaging to perform the surgery. More recently our surgeons have been certified in the use of the robot to further improve the accuracy of the surgery.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy for Treatment of Colorectal Cancer

Treating your colorectal cancer may involve the most up-to-date and effective chemotherapy available. Drugs are given either orally or intravenously.

Chemotherapy may be used to help:

  • Shrink the cancer before surgery.
  • Keep you cancer free after surgery.
  • Prolong life when surgery is not an option.
Targeted Therapies

Targeted Therapies for Treatment of Colorectal Cancer

We offer targeted therapies for certain types of colorectal cancer. Using innovative new drugs we work to stop the growth of cancer cells by interfering with certain proteins and receptors or blood vessels that supply the tumor with what it needs to grow, survive and spread.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation Therapy for Treatment of Colorectal Cancer

Our advanced radiation treatments include:

  • Brachytherapy: Tiny radioactive seeds are placed in the body close to the tumor.
  • 3D-conformal radiation therapy: Several radiation beams are given in the exact shape of the tumor.
  • Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT): Treatment is tailored to the specific shape of the tumor to reduce damage to normal tissue.

Colorectal Cancer Doctors

Anton J Bilchik M.D., Ph.D., MBA, FACS photo

Anton J. Bilchik, M.D., Ph.D., MBA, FACS

Professor of Surgical Oncology
Dr. Leland Foshag

Leland J. Foshag, M.D.

Professor of Surgical Oncology
Trevan Fischer MD

Trevan Fischer, M.D.

Assistant Professor of Surgical Oncology
MEET OUR TEAM OF GASTROINTESTINAL EXPERTS

Colorectal Cancer Supportive Care

In addition to the expert medical care available from our team of cancer physicians, we offer a host of integrative and wellness services that aim to address the physical, emotional, social, mental, and spiritual needs of patients and their loved ones throughout the cancer journey.

Additional Resources

About Colorectal Cancer
Radiation Therapy
Minimally Invasive Surgical Treatment
Current GI Clinical Trials
About the Colon

Patient Resources
Cancer Support
Testimonials
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