Colorectal Cancer Treatment: How Immunotherapy Is Complementing Surgery

Colorectal cancer treatment is evolving rapidly, blending traditional methods with groundbreaking innovations to offer patients better outcomes than ever before. While surgery has long been the cornerstone of treatment, immunotherapy is now stepping into the spotlight, working hand-in-hand with surgical interventions to combat this formidable disease.

Learn More: Colon & Rectal Cancer In Singapore >>

The Dynamic Duo: Surgery Meets Immunotherapy

For years, surgery has been the primary approach to colorectal cancer treatment, aiming to remove tumors and any affected surrounding tissues. It’s a critical first step, especially in early-stage cancers, where complete surgical removal can be curative. However, cancer isn’t always confined to one spot, and that’s where additional treatments become essential.

Enter immunotherapy—a revolutionary treatment that empowers your immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. Unlike chemotherapy, which targets all rapidly dividing cells (healthy or not), immunotherapy is more selective, enhancing the body’s natural defenses with fewer side effects. When combined with surgery, immunotherapy can:

• Reduce Tumor Size Before Surgery: Making tumors easier to remove and increasing the chances of complete excision.
• Eliminate Microscopic Cancer Cells After Surgery: Targeting any remaining cancer cells that surgery might miss, reducing the risk of recurrence.
• Improve Survival Rates: Studies show that this combination can lead to better overall survival and disease-free outcomes.

Immunotherapy isn’t just a single treatment – it’s a revolutionary approach that’s transforming how we tackle colorectal cancer. One of the most promising forms is the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors. These drugs, like pembrolizumab (Keytruda) and nivolumab (Opdivo), work by blocking proteins that normally keep the immune system in check. By inhibiting these checkpoints, the immune cells are unleashed to recognise and attack cancer cells more effectively. This strategy has shown remarkable success, particularly in patients with tumors exhibiting microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair-deficient (dMMR) characteristics, which are more responsive to immunotherapy. For these patients, immunotherapy has shown remarkable effectiveness, sometimes even outperforming traditional chemotherapy.

Another cutting-edge area is the development of personalised cancer vaccines. These vaccines are designed to train the immune system to target specific antigens present on an individual’s tumor cells. While still in the experimental stages, early trials suggest that these vaccines could offer a highly personalised and effective treatment option by essentially programming the immune system to seek and destroy cancer cells throughout the body.

Prevention And Early Detection: Your Best Defense

Despite these exciting advancements in colorectal cancer treatment, the truth remains: prevention and early detection are your most powerful allies. Catching cancer early often means simpler treatments and better outcomes. That’s why regular screenings and colonoscopies are crucial.

Learn More: Screen For Colorectal Cancer With Colonoscopy >>

Why You Should Consider a Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy isn’t just a procedure—it’s a proactive step toward safeguarding your health. Here’s why it’s so important:

• Detects Precancerous Polyps: These growths can be removed before they turn into cancer.
• Early Cancer Detection: Identifies cancer at an early stage when it’s most treatable.
• Recommended for Ages 50 and Up: If you’re 50 or older, regular colonoscopies should be on your health checklist.
• Higher Risk Groups: If you have a family history of colorectal cancer, genetic predispositions, or conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, you might need to start screening earlier—sometimes as young as 40 or even 30.

Understanding the Costs Of Colorectal Cancer Treatment in Singapore

We know that cost is a significant consideration when it comes to healthcare decisions. Here’s a breakdown of what you might expect in Singapore:

Colorectal Surgery

• Estimated Cost: About S$50,000 on average in private healthcare.
• Factors Influencing Cost:
  • Type of Hospital: Private hospitals generally cost more than public ones.
  • Surgery Complexity: Advanced cancers or minimally invasive procedures may affect pricing.
  • Length of Hospital Stay: Longer stays increase overall costs.

Immunotherapy

• Estimated Cost: S$9,000 to S$15,000 per treatment cycle.
• Additional Considerations:
  • Number of Cycles Needed: Total cost depends on how many cycles your treatment plan requires.
  • Medication Type: Different immunotherapy drugs have varying prices.

It’s essential to consult with your healthcare provider for a personalized cost estimate. Also, explore financial assistance options like MediShield Life, MediSave, and subsidies available through Singapore’s healthcare system to help manage expenses.

Taking Charge Of Your Health

Embracing the advancements in colorectal cancer treatment is empowering, but it’s equally important to focus on prevention. Here are some actionable steps:

• Schedule Regular Screenings: Don’t wait for symptoms to appear.
• Know Your Family History: Share this information with your doctor to tailor your screening schedule.
• Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle:
  • Diet: Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
  • Exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity each week.
  • Avoid Tobacco and Limit Alcohol: Both can increase cancer risk.

The Future Is Bright

The integration of immunotherapy into colorectal cancer treatment signals a hopeful future. By working alongside surgery, immunotherapy offers a more comprehensive attack against cancer, enhancing the effectiveness of treatment and improving quality of life for patients.

Contact Us For A Colonoscopy Or For Colorectal Cancer Treatment

While medical technology leaps forward, remember that the most powerful tools in the fight against colorectal cancer are still prevention and early detection. Scheduling that colonoscopy could make all the difference—not just in treatment options but in outcomes and quality of life. Taking proactive steps today means more tomorrows to enjoy. You’re investing in a future where cancer doesn’t get to call the shots—you do.

If you are looking for a doctor for colorectal cancer treatment or second opinion, we can assist too. Contact us via the button below.

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