Therapy

Colon cancer is usually treated surgically. The affected section of the colon is completely removed and the two free ends are sutured together. The exact extent of the operation and additional measures, such as chemotherapy and/or radiation, are determined individually depending on the severity of the patient’s disease.

Some patients also receive chemotherapy before the operation, which is intended to reduce the size of the tumor and thus make the operation easier. In addition to the affected section of the intestine, the lymph nodes in the lymph drainage area of the tumor are usually also removed, as tumor cells may already have settled there. Thanks to modern surgical techniques, the creation of an artificial bowel outlet can often be avoided nowadays.

Post-operative care is also important. The patient receives colonoscopies, imaging procedures and blood counts at regular intervals in order to detect a recurrence of the disease at an early stage. The level of certain tumor markers in the blood can be monitored (CEA).

An increase in these markers in the further course of the disease after surgery could indicate a recurrence of colon cancer. Along with surgery, chemotherapy is one of the major pillars of treatment for colorectal cancer. The principle of chemotherapy is to destroy the tumor cells and prevent them from growing with the help of aggressive substances that primarily attack the tumor.

In this way, tumors can be reduced in size and the growth of new tumors prevented. The use of chemotherapy for colorectal cancer depends on the exact findings and condition of the patient. There are different types of chemotherapy.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy means a therapy prior to surgical treatment to reduce the size of the tumor. This makes it easier to operate on the tumor. Adjuvant chemotherapy means that chemotherapeutic agents are administered after the operation.

This is done for advanced tumors with lymph node involvement or other high-risk tumors. In some cases, chemotherapy is also useful for distant metastases. It is important to know that any use of chemotherapy in colorectal cancer must be a carefully considered decision.

In addition to the respective stage, the patient’s condition is decisive. It is an aggressive therapy that is administered in several cycles over a relatively long period of weeks or months. It is very rich in side effects.

Nausea, vomiting, hair loss, inflammation of the mucous membranes and blood count changes may occur. In some cases, the quality of life is severely restricted. However, chemotherapy can significantly prolong patient survival. Therefore, surgeons, internists and, if necessary, other specialists should decide together on the use of chemotherapy. Side effects of chemotherapy