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Colorectal cancer treatment: drugs, side effects and support
Colorectal (colon and rectal) cancer is often treated with surgery and chemo regimens like FOLFOX or FOLFIRI, sometimes with Avastin. Tumors that test MSI-high or dMMR may be treated with immunotherapy.
Drugs
OxaliplatinChemotherapy (platinum drug)5-FU (fluorouracil)Chemotherapy (antimetabolite)AvastinTargeted therapy (VEGF antibody)KeytrudaImmunotherapy (PD-1 blocker)OpdivoImmunotherapy (PD-1 blocker)IrinotecanChemotherapy (topoisomerase inhibitor)
Regimens
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Common side effects
- Appetite and taste changes
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue (extreme tiredness)
- Hair loss from chemo
- Low blood counts and infection risk (neutropenia)
- Mouth sores (mucositis)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Neuropathy (numbness and tingling)
- Skin rash and skin changes
Support groups for colorectal cancer
- Fight Colorectal Cancer: Patient guides, advocacy and community
- Colorectal Cancer Alliance: Helpline (877-422-2030) and patient navigation
- CancerCare: Free counseling, support groups and financial help
- Cancer Support Community: Support groups, a helpline and the MyLifeLine online community
- Imerman Angels: Free one-on-one matching with a survivor or caregiver mentor
🗣 Patient voices (colorectal cancer)
Watch: United in Blue // Fight CRC (Fight Colorectal Cancer)
Watch: Zed Dhalla : Patient Story (Colorectal Cancer Canada)
Watch: What is FOLFOX Chemotherapy? (Survivor Jelena)
Real people sharing their own experiences on YouTube. Everyone's treatment is different; talk with your care team about yours.
Help paying
Start with our cost-help guide. Each drug page links its official program.
Written by the Cancer Side Effects Guide team from FDA labels and leading cancer centers. Not medical advice. · Last updated: October 15, 2026 · How we write
Not medical advice. This page is general information to help you talk with your care team. It can't replace advice from your doctor or nurse. If you have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher during treatment, or any symptom that worries you, call your care team now. In an emergency, call 911.