Chemotherapy, radiation, and other therapies for colorectal cancer
Your doctor may recommend chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy targeted therapy, and/or other therapies to treat colorectal cancer.
Treatment therapies
Your doctor may recommend chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and/or other therapies to treat your cancer.
How is my type of treatment determined?
Treatment for colorectal cancer depends on several factors including the:
- location of the tumor
- stage of the cancer
- tumor pathology
- overall health of a patient
Every case is different. Your best resource is your doctor, who knows the specific details about your diagnosis.
Common therapies for colorectal cancer
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is treatment with cytotoxic drugs that are injected into a vein (IV) or pills taken by mouth. These drugs travel through the bloodstream and destroy cancer cells.
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy is a form of cancer treatment that uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells. Rectal cancer is treated with radiation more frequently than colon cancer.
Immunotherapy
Cancer immunotherapy, also known as immuno-oncology or biological therapy, is a form of cancer treatment that uses the body’s own immune system to help prevent, control, and eliminate cancer.
Targeted therapy
Targeted therapy uses drugs to target and "turn off" specific genes and proteins that help cancer cells grow.
Liver-directed therapy
There are a number of therapies that use chemotherapy, HAI therapy, ablation, radiation, cryotherapy, heat, and other approaches to reduce or remove liver metastases.
HAI therapy
Hepatic Artery Infusion (HAI) therapy is an FDA-approved cancer treatment that delivers medicine into the liver through the hepatic artery.
More about treatment
ChemotherapyTop resources
Where breakthroughs begin: Project Cure CRC spotlight on Dr. Lisa Mielke
hrough Project Cure CRC, the Alliance is fueling bold, early-stage research with the potential to transform colorectal cancer treatment. Dr. Lisa Mielke’s groundbreaking work explores how the gut’s immune system and nerve signaling influence cancer growth—opening the door to new therapeutic approaches, including repurposed existing drugs. This is what’s possible when promising ideas get the support they need to move forward.
John E.: Biomarker testing uncovered a pivotal treatment option
After a grim prognosis, biomarker testing revealed a targeted treatment option for John E. Learn how knowing your biomarkers can change what’s possible.
"Clinical trials gave us time": A daughter’s tribute to her mother’s courage
When Kate Shin’s mother faced rectal cancer, clinical trials gave them precious time together. Now, Kate shares her story to encourage access to screening and innovative care, including clinical trials.