Systemic therapy of colorectal carcinoma

The therapeutic strategy for colorectal carcinoma is based upon the UICC stage. For stages 0 and I, endoscopic and operative methods are available. For stage II colon cancer, the indication for adjuvant chemotherapy has not been verified. On the other hand, beginning with stage III, the benefit of this therapy for lymph node metastases is undisputed. Although neoaduvant therapy is not indicated for colon cancer, it is standard procedure for rectal carcinoma in this stage. The objective of palliative chemotherapy in UICC stage IV is to extend the quality of life.