Gastrointestinal Cancer

Colorectal Cancer

At NewYork-Presbyterian, our approach to colorectal cancer care goes beyond simply treating cancer. We strive to maintain your quality of life and speed your recovery while aiming to achieve our ultimate goal: the cure for your cancer. Our colorectal cancer specialists treat people with all stages of colorectal cancer, with special expertise in the care of those with stage 2, stage 3, and stage 4 disease. We offer the full spectrum of colorectal cancer care, from diagnosis through treatment and survival. NewYork-Presbyterian has an international reputation for superior care, with thousands of patients traveling to us from across the country and around the world to receive care from our renowned team of colorectal specialists.

A Team of Experts

Our colorectal cancer surgeons, gastroenterologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and other specialists are known for providing leading medical, surgical, and supportive care for people with colon and rectal cancers. We will put together a team of healthcare professionals to provide the care you need. When planning your treatment, our physicians consider the type, location, and stage of your cancer, as well as your age and physical health.

Genetic Counseling

Some genetic syndromes are associated with a higher risk of colorectal cancer and can be passed on through multiple generations of a family. NewYork-Presbyterian offers genetic counseling to assess your risk and develop a surveillance plan to manage your risk and the risk in your family members. One such program, the Clinical Hereditary GI Cancers Registry, identifies those at risk and then continues to review these cases to implement the most cutting-edge protocols and treatments as they are published in medical literature.

Superior Surgical Care

Using laparoscopic, robotic, and open surgical approaches, our highly experienced surgeons are often able to maintain or restore continence when other centers are unable to provide such options. Besides the standard surgical removal of colorectal cancers, our surgeons perform complex procedures such as intersphincteric proctectomy (removal of the rectum) and colonic J-pouch and coloplasty (construction of a pouch to serve as a replacement for a surgically removed large intestine).

• Minimally invasive colorectal surgery. We use minimally invasive surgery whenever appropriate — such as transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEMS) for rectal cancer — resulting in less postoperative pain, smaller incisions, a shorter recovery, and a quicker return to your regular activities. We are pushing the boundaries of minimally invasive surgical care through the Minimally Invasive New Technologies (MINT) program. One of MINT’s leading initiatives is the endolumenal surgical platform, which stabilizes the colon using two balloons, allowing for increasingly complex procedures.
• Combined endoscopic-laparoscopic surgery (CELS). This technique is used in colorectal surgery to remove large, complex, or hard-to-reach polyps. For these types of polyps, the best treatment option has been to remove the affected section of the colon completely. The combined use of endoscopy and laparoscopy in CELS allows for better visualization and surgical manipulation of the colon.
• Avoiding a permanent ostomy. Our surgeons are uniquely able to avoid a permanent ostomy in many situations using advanced surgical techniques when others may be unable.

The Latest Chemotherapy and Targeted Therapies

Chemotherapy for colorectal cancer often requires a combination of anticancer drugs. You may receive chemotherapy before surgery to shrink your tumor and after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells. You may also receive chemotherapy at the same time as radiation therapy. Your treatment may also include targeted anticancer drugs, such as cetuximab or bevacizumab if you have advanced colorectal cancer. Your doctor will let you know which medications are most effective for your stage and type of cancer.

Heated Abdominal Chemotherapy

NewYork-Presbyterian offers an advanced chemotherapy approach for people whose colorectal cancer has spread to the surrounding abdomen. Called heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), this two-stage procedure brings together the expertise of our cancer surgeons and medical oncologists. First, the surgeon removes all visible cancerous tissue in the abdomen. Then heated chemotherapy is given into the abdomen — either during the surgery to remove the tumor or in a separate surgery afterward. Heating certain anticancer drugs increase their potency and improve their uptake by cancer cells, increasing their cancer-killing effects. HIPEC is not for all patients. Your doctor will let you know if it is an option for you.

Precise Radiation Therapy for Rectal Cancer

People who need radiation to treat rectal cancer benefit from our advanced radiation oncology techniques. You may receive radiation before surgery to shrink your tumor. We use 3D imaging to shape and target high doses of radiation directly to your tumor, killing cancer cells while sparing nearby healthy tissue. You can receive radiation therapy in our state-of-the-art radiation oncology units.

Empowering Your Immune System

Immunotherapies enhance the ability of the immune system to recognize, find, and attack cancer cells. Some immunotherapies used to treat other cancers are now being evaluated in clinical trials of people with colorectal cancer.

Helping People Live Longer, Better Lives after Colorectal Cancer

Our goal is not only to help you get better but to help you live better as well. We offer comfortable infusion environments, nutritional counseling for people with or at risk for colorectal cancer, and special resources for those who need an ostomy as part of their surgical care.

Clinical Trials of New Treatments

Our researchers are directing clinical trials evaluating novel treatment approaches for colorectal cancer. Your treatment team will let you know if you can receive an innovative investigational treatment by participating in a clinical trial.