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Colorectal Cancer Treatment

Learn about national guidelines and treatment options for people with hereditary colorectal cancer.

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Colorectal Cancer > Treatment Options

Colorectal Cancer Treatment

Treatment for colorectal cancer depends on the stage and type of the disease based on pathology results. Tumor biomarker testing and genetic testing can provide additional clues about which treatments may work best against your cancer. Additional tests are usually recommended for people with metastatic or advanced cancer..

Standard treatment may include a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Some people may also benefit from treatment with immunotherapies or targeted therapies. Clinical trials may be available for any stage of cancer.

Which genes are linked to hereditary colorectal cancer?

About 10-15 percent of people diagnosed with colorectal cancer will test positive for an inherited mutation. People with an inherited mutation in the genes below may have different treatment recommendations or options. 

Genes Linked to Colorectal Cancer
APC, BMPR1A, EPCAM, MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, MUTYH, PMS2, POLE, PTEN, SMAD4, STK11, TP53

Make sure that you receive a copy of your cancer test results, including your pathology report and your stage. Ask your doctor to explain your diagnosis, test results and treatment options in terms that you can understand. This will allow you to work with your doctor to choose a treatment plan that is right for you. 

See below for more information on each of these colorectal cancer treatment topics. 

More Information on Colorectal Cancer Treatment

Stages & Subtypes

Treatment for colorectal cancer depends on the stage and type based on pathology results. Learn about how doctors determine the stage and subtype of colorectal cancers. 

More info

Standard Therapies

Treatment for colorectal cancer often includes a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Learn more about these types of treatments. 

More info

Biomarker Testing

Tumor biomarker and genetic testing can provide additional clues about which treatments may work best against your cancer. 

More info

Targeted & Immunotherapies

Targeted therapies are designed to attack or kill cancer cells while sparing normal cells as much as possible. Immunotherapies are cancer treatments that help the body’s immune system detect and attack cancer cells. 

More info

Genetic Testing for Inherited Mutations

There are national guidelines that outline who should consider genetic counseling and testing for an inherited gene mutation linked to cancer. 

More info


Last updated July 14, 2024