Colorectal cancer is the result of cells within the colon or rectum dividing abnormally quickly, causing a tumor that can spread to other tissues. Once colorectal cancer has spread beyond the lining of the colon, it is deemed to be metastatic and can be treated in a variety of ways.
Surgery
In some cases, surgery can be used for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network explains. This can be used as a treatment option if the cancer spread is confined to a location that is operable, such as the liver or the lungs.
Traditional Chemotherapy
Traditional chemotherapy involves the use of medications that target and kill rapidly dividing cells throughout the body, UpToDate.com reports. This can be used to treat metastatic colorectal cancer because the cancer cells will divide very quickly. Chemotherapy is useful for metastatic cancer because it can attack metastases wherever they occur.
Targeted Chemotherapy
Targeted chemotherapy works via the use of drugs that specifically attack body processes that the cancer cells need to grow. One treatment, known as bevacizumab, prevents the tumor from developing new blood vessels. Other forms work by blocking chemical signals that signal for cancer cells to divide. These drugs are often given along with traditional chemotherapy.
