Management of colorectal cancer depends on the stage and tumor biology. A multidisciplinary team tailors the treatment plan.

Multidisciplinary Approach in Cancer Management: Tumour Board at Narayana Health

Narayana Health Tumour Board is a group of Medical, Surgical and Radiation Oncologists, diagnosticians and other specialists. In case of a diagnosis of colorectal cancer, the team discussing the care plan will include Medical gastroenterology, Surgical gastroenterology, Medical Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Nuclear medicine specialist and Pathologist. Together they agree on an accurate diagnosis and the best unbiased treatment option for every patient. Most patients (if applicable) get customised treatment plans from the Tumour Board.

What is the role of tumour board in cancer treatment?

Treatment of Cancer is often a multi-modality approach and may include either one or a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and/or immunotherapy. Hence, more than one specialist is involved in the patient’s treatment journey.

Surgery: Primary treatment for early-stage cancer. Includes colectomy, LAR (Low Anterior Resection), or APR (Abdominoperineal Resection). Minimally invasive techniques help in speedy recovery.

Robotic Assisted surgery: Robotic assisted surgery has revolutionized the surgical management of Colorectal cancers , especially the Low rectal cancers where in surgery needs to be performed within the deep pelvis. Robotic surgery results in added precision , lesser pain and faster recovery

Radiation Therapy for Colorectal Cancer: Mainly for rectal cancer, often combined with chemo before surgery to reduce tumor size. Rare colon cancer. Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy(IMRT) is a form of Conformal Radiotherapy which helps in delivering radiation to tumour with very less damage to normal tissues

Chemotherapy for Colorectal Cancer: Chemotherapy is required in all patients with stages III and IV cancers and high risk stage 2 colorectal cancers . Regimes include FOLFOX, CAPOX, FOLFIRI, based on cancer stage and health status.

Targeted Therapy for Colorectal Cancer: For stage IV cases. Drugs like cetuximab, bevacizumab, and BRAF inhibitors are used based on tumor genetics.

Immunotherapy for Colorectal Cancer: Effective for MSI-H/dMMR tumors. Uses drugs like pembrolizumab or nivolumab.

Supportive Care: Manages treatment for side effects and improves quality of life through rehab, nutrition, and psychosocial support.

Colorectal Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Diagnosis