Other Treatments for Colorectal Cancer

Biological Therapy

Biological therapy involves using medications or substances made by the body to increase or restore your body's natural defenses against cancer. It is also called immunotherapy. Monoclonal antibodies and interferon are examples of biological therapies.

Special Considerations

Discuss the benefits and risks of the various treatments with your doctor. To date, there have not been significant benefits seen with the use of immunotherapies in the treatment of colon and rectal cancer. There are research trials in several institutions. You may wish to ask your doctor if it is appropriate to consider you for a research trial.

References

American Cancer Society website. Available at: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/home/index.asp .

National Cancer Institute website. Available at: http://www.cancer.gov/ .

Revision Information

Reviewer: Mohei Abouzied, MD
Review Date: 09/2012
Update Date: 00/91/2012

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.