Stage III Colon Cancer

Surgery

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the location of your tumor.

Surgical Options

Combination Chemotherapy

Patients who can tolerate combination chemotherapy that includes oxaliplatin (Eloxatin®) are often prescribed:

  • Folfox — combination treatment with IV 5-FU (fluorouracil), leucovorin, and oxaliplatin
  • CapeOx — combination treatment with capecitabine (a chemotherapy pill similar to 5-FU) and oxaliplatin.

Any patient receiving chemotherapy containing 5-FU or capecitabine should undergo DPD testing prior to beginning treatment.

DPD Testing

Alternative Chemotherapy

Patients who have medical reasons not to use combination chemotherapy may be prescribed chemotherapy with a single drug:

  • Xeloda® (capecitabine) — an oral “prodrug” which is converted to 5-FU in the tissues
  • 5-FU and leucovorin — an intravenous chemotherapy drug given with a vitamin (leucovorin) that enhances the effect of 5-FU.

Your doctor can discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the different chemotherapy regimens for your individual needs.

Any patient receiving chemotherapy containing 5-FU or capecitabine should undergo DPD testing prior to beginning treatment.

Chemotherapy Treatment

Radiation

If surgery reveals the tumor has spread outside the colon so that the tumor extends into other tissues such as the lining of the abdomen (the peritoneum),

follow-up radiation may be recommended.

Radiation is not a routine treatment for stage III colon cancer.

Radiation Therapy

Read Cindy's Story

In late August 2023 I had a regular colonoscopy, with no symptoms and no risk factors, but was diagnosed with cancer in my sigmoid colon. My husband of 37 years was with me, and we were shocked of course.
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