For patients who have undergone potentially curative resection, disease recurrence is thought to derive from clinically occult micrometastases (non-detectable) cancer cells that are present at the time of surgery. The goal of postoperative (adjuvant) therapy is to eradicate these micrometastases cells, thereby decreasing the likelihood of relapse and increasing the cure rate. Drug treatments are used in addition to surgery and radiation because cancers may spread to other parts of the body. These treatments improve the odds of survival for individuals with colorectal cancer.

These graphs demonstrate Roswell Park Cancer Institute’s compliance with the suggested National Cancer Comprehensive Cancer Network Guidelines (see www.nccn.org), in Stage III patients for adjuvant therapy. Additionally, these graphs represent the multidisciplinary approach of the Roswell Park Colorectal Clinical Program.