Studies have shown that chemotherapy after surgery can increase the survival rate for patients with some stages of colon cancer. Chemotherapy can also help relieve symptoms of advanced cancer. Tumor vaccines Tumor vaccines, now in clinical trials for colorectal cancer, are an attempt to re-educate the body to attack tumor cells. For reasons still unknown, at some point the body stops attacking cancer cells, even though evidence suggests that it does mount an immune attack against cancer cells when they are still small and few in number. Stem cell support Use of stem cell support in conjunction with chemotherapy for colorectal cancer is in clinical trials.
Stem cells are very young blood cells that can repopulate depleted bone marrow.
This society offers a variety of brochures including several on colonoscopy and colorectal cancer. They can also provide listings of colorectal surgeons in your area. On the Colon Cancer Discussion list about 600 people regularly answer questions, exchange information and provide support to those dealing with colorectal cancer.