There are a range of diagnostic tests and scans available to investigate and diagnose bowel-related conditions.
Latest therapies and clinical trials
Advancements in genomic testing, immunotherapy, targeted therapies and access to clinical trials are transforming bowel cancer treatment.
What are anti-cancer therapies?
Anti-cancer therapies are types of treatment used to treat bowel cancer. The main anti-cancer therapies are chemotherapy and radiotherapy, which continue to be highly effective in treating bowel cancer and, combined with surgery, are the main standard therapies. New technologies and treatment techniques mean that this is an ever-advancing area of medicine.
Other anti-cancer therapies including targeted therapies and immunotherapies are newer types of treatment that are proving effective for certain types of cancer.
Through our healthcare system our experts can provide the full range of treatment options, from standard therapies, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, to the latest immunotherapies, targeted and hormone therapies.
We are committed to developing and providing the very latest treatment innovations through the Sarah Cannon Research Institute, our dedicated clinical trials centre.
New and emerging treatments
Professor Tobias Arkenau, Consultant Medical Oncologist from The Sarah Cannon Research Institute and Dr Kai Keen Shiu, Consultant Medical Oncologist at Leaders in Oncology Care, share their insights into the advancements in genomic testing, immunotherapy and targeted therapies.
What is genomic testing?
Genomic testing is a type of advanced diagnostic testing, referred to as molecular diagnostics. These tests look at the behaviour of the genes within your specific tumour tissue. The behaviour of these genes determines how likely the cancer is to grow and spread. It can also provide consultants with an insight into which treatment options may be most effective for your individual tumour.
These genomic insights may identify additional treatment options such as immunotherapy or access to new and emerging therapies through clinical trials.
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that compares how effective different treatments are. There are different types of clinical trials, but they are all highly regulated and closely monitored to ensure safety. Access to clinical trials means you may be one of the first people to benefit from a new treatment, but as with any treatment, you can’t be sure of the outcome.
If your consultant thinks you may benefit from a clinical trial, they will discuss this with you in detail so that you can make an informed decision about taking part.
More about bowel cancer
Testing and diagnosing bowel cancer
Living with and beyond cancer
We can provide you with a range of support to help navigate the challenges of your diagnosis and treatment.
Bowel cancer surgery
Surgery is a common treatment for bowel cancer, it can be used alone or in combination with other therapies such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy.