Colorectal Cancer: Therapeutic Approaches and Their Complications

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is ranked as the third most lethal of all cancers in the USA, following prostate and lung malignancy in men, and breast and lung malignancy in women respectively. The risk factors for developing colorectal cancer fall into 2 categories: modifiable risk factors (obesity and physical inactivity, diet, smoking, alcohol, medications, diabetes, and insulin resistance) and non-modifiable risk factors (race and ethnicity, sex, age, and inflammatory bowel disease). The standard therapeutic approaches to the treatment of colorectal cancer have led to a reduction in the burden of colorectal cancer in the USA, with national statistics revealing a reduction in both the incidence and death rates. At the same time, 5-year survival rates have also greatly improved. However, associated with these standard treatments are complications, which have become a burden (physical and emotional, financial, and economic burdens, and disability-adjusted life years), affecting the quality of life of CRC patients. This paper discusses the standard therapeutic approaches to managing colorectal cancer, the associated complications and their management. In addition, a summary of the newly introduced therapeutic approaches for treating CRC, reported improvement in effectiveness over existing strategies and corresponding reduction in therapeutic complications will be discussed.