... WhatsApp

Chemotherapy Before Surgery Helps Stage III Colon Cancer Patients Live Longer

You are here >> Home > Latest Updates > Colon Cancer Updates > Chemotherapy Before…

Chemotherapy Before Surgery Helps Stage III Colon Cancer Patients Live Longer

Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Treatment usually includes surgery to remove the tumor, sometimes followed by chemotherapy. But researchers have been studying whether giving chemotherapy before surgery, known as neoadjuvant chemotherapy, could improve outcomes.

A large study from the U.S. National Cancer Database looked at more than 1,200 patients with stage II or stage III colon cancer who received chemotherapy before surgery. The results showed clear differences between the two groups of patients.

For stage III colon cancer, patients who had chemotherapy before surgery lived longer compared to those who went straight to surgery. The survival benefit was strongest in patients with more advanced tumors (T4) and cancer that had spread to lymph nodes. These patients had a 21% lower risk of dying compared to those who did not receive chemotherapy before surgery.

For stage II colon cancer, there was no clear survival benefit from chemotherapy before surgery. Outcomes were similar whether patients had chemotherapy first or not.

Another important finding was that patients who received chemotherapy before surgery had fewer complications after surgery. They had lower rates of hospital readmission and lower risk of death within 30 and 90 days of surgery.

These results suggest that for stage III colon cancer, starting with chemotherapy may improve long-term survival and reduce short-term risks. For stage II patients, the benefit is less clear, and surgery remains the main treatment.

Patients should talk with their doctors about whether neoadjuvant chemotherapy could be a good option for their stage of colon cancer.

Rate this post

Exclusive Health Tips and Updates

Dr Harsh Shah - GI & HPB Oncosurgeon in Ahmeadbad
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.