When it comes to cancer, a patient usually has a multidisciplinary team, which consists of different doctors working to create a treatment plan that combines different treatments. Specifically for rectal or colon cancers, also known as colorectal cancer, a medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, a gastroenterologist, and a surgeon are the normal specialists. Treatment options depend on several factors such as, the stage of cancer, other medical conditions, overall health, medications already being taken, diet, and patient health.

The main treatments for colorectal cancer are surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy:

1. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy ends the cancer cells’ ability to grow by using drugs. The regimens vary. There are certain cycles over certain times and can use one drug or a combination of drugs. There are many treatments but some common regimens are 5-FU, Capecitabine, FOLFOX: 5-FU with leucovorin and oxaliplatin, or Irinotecan.

2. Radiation therapy
Using high-energy x-rays to destroy cancer cells is called radiation therapy. It is commonly used in rectal cancer on the tumors or after surgery to destroy cells missed during surgery. There are several types of radiation therapy. External-beam radiation therapy is when a machine is used to send x-rays to the affected area for five days a week for several weeks. Stereotactic radiation therapy is an external-beam radiation that sends high doses of radiation to a small area if the cancer spread to the lungs or liver. Intraoperative radiation therapy is a high dose of radiation during surgery. Brachytherapy places radioactive seeds inside the body.

3. Targeted therapy
Targeted therapy for cancer is a treatment that specifically targets cancer genes, proteins, or tissue to kill its growth. Anti-angiogenesis therapy stops the process of creating blood vessels to kill tumors. Bevacizumab is used alongside chemotherapy. Regorafenib is used for metastatic colorectal cancer after other therapies. Ziv-aflibercept and ramucirumab can be combined during chemotherapy. EGFR inhibitors can slow the growth of cancer.

4. Cancer trials
Clinical trials for rectal and colon cancers are important is that they help test new ways to find, diagnose, and treat cancer. Finding new ways to manage the symptoms of cancer and its treatment side effects is important and these trials can even find new ways to prevent cancer. By participating in these trials you add more information to cancer research and help future patients. The protocol of the cancer trials is usually set up by a doctor. The protocol will help determine if the treatment is right for you by including particular information. The main thing the protocol will include is the reason for doing the cancer trial. Other information will be how many people are needed to complete the trial and who is allowed to join. Which medical tests and their frequency and any treatments or drugs that will be given will also be in the protocol.

5. Biosimilar drugs
The FDA has begun approving biosimilar drugs for cancer. The first they approved was Herceptin for breast cancer and metastatic stomach cancer. There are currently 11 biosimilars approved and about 70 more being worked on. This has given various cancer patients more options when it comes to treatment.