How is cancer of the intestine treated?

Treatment for intestinal cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, depends on various factors such as the stage and location of the cancer, the patient's overall health, and personal preferences. Here are some common treatment approaches for intestinal cancer:

1. Surgery:

- Local Excision: In early-stage cancers where the tumor is confined to a small area, local excision may be performed. This involves surgically removing the tumor and a small margin of healthy tissue around it.

- Segmental Resection: When a larger portion of the intestine is affected, a segmental resection is done. The affected segment of the intestine is removed, and the healthy ends are reconnected.

- Colectomy: In cases where a large part of the colon or rectum is affected, a colectomy may be necessary. This involves removing the affected portion of the colon or rectum and creating a new connection for waste to pass through.

- Ostomy: In certain situations, an ostomy may be required. This involves surgically creating an opening in the abdomen (colostomy) or the side of the rectum (ileostomy) to allow waste to bypass the affected segment of the intestine.

2. Chemotherapy:

Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells. It can be administered orally (in pill form), intravenously (through a vein), or both. Chemotherapy can be given before surgery to shrink the tumor, after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells, or as a primary treatment for advanced cancer.

3. Radiation Therapy:

Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays or other forms of radiation to kill or damage cancer cells. It can be delivered externally (from outside the body) or internally (through radioactive implants). Radiation therapy is often used before or after surgery to improve treatment outcomes.

4. Targeted Therapy:

Targeted therapy uses drugs that specifically target molecules or proteins involved in cancer cell growth and survival. For intestinal cancer, targeted therapies may include drugs that target the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), or other pathways.

5. Immunotherapy:

Immunotherapy helps boost the body's own immune system to fight cancer. This can be achieved through various methods, such as checkpoint inhibitors, adoptive cell therapy, or cancer vaccines. Immunotherapy may be an option for certain patients with advanced intestinal cancer.

6. Palliative Care:

For advanced or metastatic intestinal cancer, the focus of treatment may shift to palliation, which aims to relieve symptoms, improve quality of life, and manage complications without necessarily curing the cancer. This can include pain management, supportive therapies, and interventions to relieve symptoms such as bowel obstruction or bleeding.

7. Combination Therapies:

In many cases, a combination of treatment modalities may be used to achieve the best possible outcomes. For instance, surgery may be followed by chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy, or targeted therapy may be combined with immunotherapy.

The specific treatment plan for intestinal cancer is determined by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including surgeons, oncologists, radiation oncologists, and other specialists, based on individual patient assessments, tumor characteristics, and the stage of the disease.