Colon cancer refers to malignant growths in the colon, rectum, and the appendix. Commonly, cancers that arise from these areas of the body are referred to as colorectal cancer. However, let us individually discuss how chemotherapy plays a role in both colon and rectal cancer.
Chemotherapy for colon cancer is used to reduce the likelihood of cancer cells from spreading, shrink tumor size, or slow growth of tumors. Application of chemotherapy may be applied after surgery (adjuvant), before surgery (neo-adjuvant), or as primary therapy (palliative). The drugs used in chemotherapy are often called anticancer drugs. Chemotherapy for colon cancer is given intravenously, by injection or by mouth. It can be used as a standalone treatment or may be combined with radiation therapy or surgery.
Chemotherapy for colon cancer is often coupled with repulsive side effects like nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and mouth sores. Leveraging new delivery protocols assist in the reduction of side effects and allow chemotherapy treatment more bearable for patients. For instance, administration of total dose of chemotherapy divided in smaller doses over a longer period of time helps reduce nausea and vomiting.