Clin Colon Rectal Surg 2024; 37(02): 108-113
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1761626
Review Article

Stage IV Colorectal Cancer at Initial Presentation versus Progression during and after Treatment, Differences in Management: Management Differences for Initial Presentation versus Progression of Disease after Initial Treatment

Brian V. Monahan*
1   Department of Surgery, Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
,
Takshaka Patel*
1   Department of Surgery, Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
,
Juan Lucas Poggio
1   Department of Surgery, Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
2   Division of Colorectal Surgery, Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
› Author Affiliations
Funding None.

Abstract

Stage IV colorectal cancer is a prevalent disease and understanding the appropriate treatment options is important. Medical oncologic treatment remains the mainstay of treatment in cases where curative resection is not possible. Surgical intervention is indicated if the primary tumor and associated metastases are amenable to curative resection or if obstructive, bleeding, or perforative complications arise from the tumor. New endoscopic techniques can provide palliation and benefit for patients who cannot undergo surgery and may speed time to chemotherapy initiation. Recently, immunotherapy has shown promise at managing, controlling, and regressing advanced disease, in some cases converting it to curative with resection. For patients that progress while on treatment, continued medical therapy remains the mainstay of treatment. Further research into the benefits of asymptomatic primary tumor resection without curative intent needs to be performed. Colorectal cancer, and more specifically metastatic colorectal cancer, continues to have improved 1- and 5-year survival rates and likely will continue to do so over the coming months and years.

* Co-authors.




Publication History

Article published online:
16 April 2023

© 2023. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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