In chemotherapy , drugs are used to kill cancer cells. These drugs travel through the body in the blood. Chemotherapy can be used after surgery to help prevent the cancer from spreading. This is called adjuvant therapy. When a tumor cannot be completely removed with surgery, chemotherapy can help relieve symptoms or control the cancer growth.
Biological therapy helps the body's immune system to destroy cancer cells.
Sometimes biological therapy and chemotherapy are both used after surgery as adjuvant therapy. Patients should consult with a specialist to learn about all the treatment options as well as their side effects before making a decision. It may help to have a second opinion. Some insurance companies now require a second opinion. Specialists who treat colorectal cancer include surgeons, oncologists, and gastroenterologists.