Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy destroys cancer cells by interfering with their ability to divide and reproduce. In some cases surgery alone will be enough to prevent colorectal cancer from returning but sometimes further treatment is required in the form of chemotherapy.

This is known as adjuvant treatment. In cases where the cancer has spread (metastasised), chemotherapy treatment may help to prevent it from spreading further.

The most commonly used agents in the EU include irinotecan, oxaliplatin, 5-fluorouracil and Capecitibine (oral form of 5- fluorouracil). These treatments may be given on their own or in combination with other agents before and/or after surgery.