Colon and Rectal Cancer (Colorectal Cancer)

Colorectal cancer is an abnormal growth of cells in the tissues of the colon or rectum, which are parts of the digestive system. The colon and rectum form a long, muscular tube called the large intestine (also called the large bowel). The colon is the first 4–5 feet of the large intestine, and the rectum is the last several inches.

Most colorectal cancers are adenocarcinomas (cancers that begin in cells that make and release mucus and other fluids).

In advanced cases, colorectal cancer cells may invade surrounding tissues or spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body via the blood stream or lymph system.

Excluding non-melanoma cancers of the skin, colon and rectal (colorectal) cancer is the third most common type of cancer among men and women in the United States. It is estimated there will be more than 103,000* people newly diagnosed with colon cancer and more than 40,000* people newly diagnosed with rectal cancer in the United States in 2012.

Treatment options for colorectal cancer vary depending on the stage of the disease, previous treatment, and other medical conditions. Talk with your doctor about what treatment options may be available for you.

*American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts and Figures 2012. Atlanta: American Cancer Society; 2012

Colorectal Cancer Clinical Trials

The NCI Center for Cancer Research (CCR) conducts clinical trials at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. CCR is currently conducting the following trials for patients with colon and rectal (colorectal) cancers. Click on the trials below for additional details, including a summary of key eligibility criteria, study outline, and information on how to contact the principal investigators and their staff directly. For information on a particular trial or to discuss a screening visit, contact a member of the research team listed on the trial’s summary.

If you need further assistance, call our toll-free number at 1-888-NCI-1937 (1-888-624-1937) to be connected to a referral coordinator appropriate for your diagnosis.