Following the diagnosis and staging of rectal cancer, cancer specialists at Penn Medicine's Abramson Cancer Center will develop a personalized treatment plan that's right for you. Our treatment options for rectal cancer include:
- Rectal cancer surgery
- Local excision via the anus through transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) or endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR)
- Laparoscopic, robotic-assisted or open excision
- Pelvic exenteration (removal of other affected organs in the pelvis)
- Radiation therapy
- Three-dimensional conformal radiation
- Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)
- Proton therapy
- Volumetric-modulated arc therapy
- Chemotherapy and biologic therapies
- Chemotherapy
- Monoclonal antibody therapy
- Clinical trials
- Monoclonal antibody therapy
- Other treatments
Getting Rectal Cancer Treatment with Our GI Cancer Program
Our physicians have developed surgical therapies for rectal cancer that provide the best chance for a cure while preserving quality of life. We have pioneered nutritional support for gastrointestinal cancer patients, a crucial part of care and recovery.
Our GI cancer program offers:
- Diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal cancer.
- Second opinions regarding treatment options.
- A multidisciplinary approach involving specialists from gastroenterology, gastrointestinal surgery, medical oncology, radiation oncology, radiology and pathology.
- The resources of the Abramson Cancer Center, one of less than 30 cancer centers in the country approved and designated by the National Cancer Institute as a comprehensive cancer center.
- Access to new therapies through a wide range of clinical trials.
- Coordination with programs in chemo prevention, molecular diagnosis, experimental therapeutics and genetic counseling.
- Access to a wide range of Penn support services for patients and families.
Understanding a cancer diagnosis and treatment options can be difficult. If you would like to speak with a cancer nurse about a diagnosis, please call 800-789-7366 (PENN).