Non-Surgical Treatment Modalities in Colorectal Cancer Management: The Oncology Perspective

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide, remains a major cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality globally. It has diverse treatment modalities including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies. Chemotherapy remains a cornerstone of CRC management, either as adjuvant therapy post-surgery or as palliative treatment for advanced disease. Recent advancements in immunotherapy have transformed treatments particularly in subsets characterized by microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or deficient DNA mismatch repair (dMMR).  Targeted therapies have revolutionized the management of CRC by specifically targeting molecular pathways involved in tumor growth and progression. This review provides a comprehensive overview of current guidelines and emerging strategies in CRC non-surgical treatment, focusing on chemotherapy regimens, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), targeted therapies, biomarkers for treatment selection, and ongoing challenges.