By Professor Marco Gerlinger
05.03.24
Medical oncologist
Precision cancer therapy for early-stage colorectal cancer: An expert's guide
Many cancers of the large bowel, which includes those in the colon and the rectum, are diagnosed when the tumour is localised and has not formed distant metastases. The treatment of such early-stage colorectal cancers is highly multidisciplinary; after having biopsies to establish the diagnosis and scans of the chest, abdomen and pelvis, treatment sometimes includes radiotherapy to shrink the tumour, and in most cases surgery to remove the tumour. Several months of chemotherapy may be necessary after surgery to reduce the risk of the tumour coming back. A long-term cure is the ultimate aim of these complex treatments. In his latest online article, renowned consultant medical oncologist Professor Marco Gerlinger explains everything you need to know about these treatment options.