Follow-up after treatment for colorectal cancer
Since in 30% of colorectal cancer cases local tumor outbreaks (recurrences) occur within the following 2 years, it is important to establish a consistent follow-up plan. This includes quarterly checks for hidden blood in the stool (hemoccult tests) and a control of the tumor markers. Hidden blood in the stool and a resurgence of tumor markers are suspected of tumor recurrence. An ultrasound (sonography) of the liver and an x-ray of the chest (x-ray thorax) are used to detect metastases in the liver and lungs.A colonoscopy should be performed 6 and 12 months after a primary therapy (surgery), then every 3 years.
Guidelines
The treatment of colorectal cancer varies depending on the stage of the cancer, the age of the patient and other circumstances. In stages I-III, the intention of therapy is curative. Here, surgery on the cancerous sprue (tumor) represents a central treatment step.
In very early stages (stage I), surgery on the cancer alone is often sufficient. In more advanced stages, the operation is followed by a so-called chemotherapy. This chemotherapy can consist of various drugs (chemotherapeutic agents) and aims to prevent the cancer from flaring up again (recurrence) and to combat possible metastases.
Depending on the type of tumor, the therapy of colorectal cancer can be additionally extended by a so-called antibody therapy. In some patients, chemotherapy before surgery (neoadjuvant) is also very helpful. This is intended to contain the growth of the cancer and reduce its size, so that the success of the operation can be increased.
In the case of cancer of the rectum, the tumor can also be treated with radiation therapy or a combined radiation/chemotherapy. The therapy of the IV cancer stage, which is characterized by distant metastases of the tumor, can either be curatively treated by removing the mother cancer and metastases or by additional chemotherapy, or, if healing is no longer possible, by pain-relieving forms of therapy (surgery, drug therapy).
