Eventually, new diagnostics may be developed that will help find colorectal cancers at an earlier stage. Clinical trials are now testing experimental treatments that more effectively boost the patient's immune reaction against colorectal cancer. Some drugs, such as interferons and interleukins, boost the immune system in general. For example, one of the chemicals altered in colorectal cancer cells is the K-ras oncogene. Researchers are testing ways to help the patient's immune system attack and kill these abnormal cells.
Passive immunotherapy uses antibodies made in the laboratory.
Cell-killing chemicals or radiation then can be attached to these antibodies, which carry them specifically to the cancer cells, sparing the body's healthy cells. Other studies are testing new combinations of drugs already known to be effective against colorectal cancer, in an effort to improve their effectiveness even more. Also underway are studies testing ways to improve how chemotherapy is used with radiation therapy or immunotherapy. Click here for information about clinical trials of colorectal cancer.