Selecting Treatments for Colorectal Cancer

A physician must determine the cancer’s stage before deciding on treatment, says Cathy Eng, professor and director, Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Treatment options are vastly different in the early stage and in the metastatic setting.

Deciding on treatments is a bit like a game of chess, says John L. Marshall, chief, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Georgetown University Hospital, associate director, Clinical Research, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center.

“[W]e’re going to play a smart chess game that balances the toxicity and side effects versus the control of the cancer,” Marshall says.