Surgery is still the best therapy for early cancers of the colon or rectum. With early detection, surgery offers 80- to 90-percent curability.
Interventional Oncology
Our interventional oncologists may also use minimally invasive techniques to treat colorectal cancer. These techniques may include:
- Tumor ablation – Using imaging technology, your care team will insert needle-like probes that burn or freeze tumors. This is a minimally invasive procedure, and typically you get to go home the same day.
- Radioembolization (Yttrium-90 radioembolization) – During this procedure, interventional oncologists work with radiation oncologists to deliver high doses of radiation directly to tumors. Doctors insert a thin tube through an artery in the groin and guide it to the tumor. Radioactive beads are injected through the catheter and into the tumor to cut off blood supply to the tumor. This procedure can also help target the tumor during radiation therapy. Radioembolization is generally used if your colorectal cancer has spread to the liver.
Chemotherapy
If your cancer has spread to other parts of your body, your care team may consider chemotherapy after surgery. This treatment uses medicine — or several medicines — to kill cancer cells. Your oncologists may recommend clinical trials for new chemotherapy treatments, depending on the stage of your cancer.
Radiation Therapy
In rare cases where the cancer has spread and may return, your care team may decide to also use radiation therapy. Targeted therapy may also be used in cases where the colon cancer has advanced.
Tumor Board
A multidisciplinary team of cancer experts including surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, plastic reconstructive surgeons, pathologists, radiologists, genetic counselors, medical geneticists, social workers, patient navigators and clinical trials staff meet weekly to discuss select complex cases and determine the best course of care. Bone Marrow Transplant experts and hematologic oncology experts are also available to discuss complex cases.
Clinical Trials
Miami Cancer Institute can provide access to clinical trials not widely available elsewhere. Clinical trials find new ways to treat and diagnose cancer and are ongoing. If an appropriate trial is available, we will talk to you about the benefits and risks.
Check if your insurance is accepted
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