What Is Palliative Systemic Chemotherapy for Colorectal Cancer?

Colorectal cancer is a collective term used to describe cancers occurring in either the colon or rectum. In advanced cases of these cancers, doctors may use palliative systemic chemotherapy drugs to ease the effects of symptoms on the body.

The Facts

• The National Cancer Institute defines palliative therapy as any treatment designed to reduce patient suffering and ease the symptoms of cancer or other diseases. It is not aimed at providing a disease cure.

Colon Cancer

• In cases of advanced (stage IV) colon cancer, cancer has typically spread (metastasized) to other areas of the body or returned after earlier treatment, according to the NCI. Patients in these circumstances may receive palliative chemotherapy to help improve their quality of life.

Rectal Cancer

• Rectal cancer that has metastasized throughout the body cannot typically be cured, according to the American Cancer Society. In these cases, doctors may use palliative chemotherapy to prevent complications, including intestinal blockages and bleeding.

Additional Colon Treatments

• In cases of colon cancer, doctors may also use radiation therapy to provide palliative treatment, according to the NCI.

Additional Rectal Treatments

• In cases of rectal cancer, the ACS cites additional palliative methods that include radiation therapy, surgery, laser destruction of tumors and use of a rectal stent to keep the rectum open.