Treatments

Understanding Your Cancer Treatment Options

At the University of Colorado Cancer Center, our goal is to help you live a full and meaningful life. For many patients, treatment can lead to a cure. For others, it may help control the disease, reduce symptoms, and improve quality of life. Every treatment plan is personalized based on your diagnosis, overall health, and goals.

Some people with cancer have only one treatment. But most people have a combination of treatments, such as surgery with chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The types of treatment that you receive will depend on the type of cancer you have and how advanced it is. To learn how a specific type of cancer is treated, check out our Cancers We Treat pages.

Treatment Approaches

Anti-Cancer Therapies

Primary treatment is designed to eliminate cancer from your body. This may involve:

• Surgery to remove tumors.
• Radiation therapy to destroy cancer cells.
• Systemic therapy includes chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy and hormonal therapies.

Your care team will recommend the most effective primary treatment based on your cancer type and stage.

Adjuvant and Neoadjuvant Therapy

Adjuvant therapy is given after the primary treatment to destroy any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence. Common adjuvant therapies include chemotherapy, radiation, and hormone therapy.

Neoadjuvant therapy is given before the primary treatment to shrink tumors or make surgery more effective.

These therapies are often part of a comprehensive treatment plan designed by our multidisciplinary team.

Palliative Care

Palliative care focuses on relieving symptoms and improving comfort. It can be provided alongside active cancer treatments and includes support from doctors, nurses, social workers, and other specialists. Palliative care may help manage pain, fatigue, nausea, and emotional stress, enhancing your quality of life and supporting your family.

Local vs. Systemic Treatments

Your provider may describe treatments as either local or systemic:

• Local treatments target cancer in a specific area of the body. These include surgery, radiation therapy, and ablation techniques.
• Systemic treatments work throughout the body to treat cancer that has spread. These include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy.

Cancer Treatment Options at the CU Cancer Center

At the CU Cancer Center, we offer a comprehensive range of advanced cancer treatments, delivered by nationally recognized experts through collaborative, patient-centered care. Our multidisciplinary teams work together to develop personalized treatment plans using the latest technologies and therapies

 Why Should You Consider a Cancer Clinical Trial? Here Are Answers from a CU Cancer Center Leader.

Risks and Side Effects

Depending on your diagnosis, cancer treatment may save your life. Reaching the five-year survival mark is a major milestone—most cancers that stay in remission for five years are unlikely to return.

Even for advanced or metastatic cancers, treatment can offer meaningful benefits, such as:

• Relieving symptoms.
• Slowing disease progression.
• Extending life.
• Improving quality of life.
  

Managing Side Effects

Cancer treatments can cause side effects, which vary depending on the type of therapy and your individual response. Your CU Cancer Center care team is experienced in managing side effects and will work closely with you to keep you as comfortable as possible throughout treatment.

Common Short-Term Side Effects

• Fatigue.
• Anemia.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Pain (bone, nerve, or soft tissue).
• Hair loss.
• Digestive issues (diarrhea, constipation).
• Mouth sores and mucositis.
• Skin changes (dryness, rash, itchiness).
• Headaches.
• Loss of appetite.
• Slow wound healing or clotting issues.
• Increased risk of infection (immunocompromised).

Most short-term side effects resolve after treatment ends, but some may persist or appear later.

Potential Long-Term Side Effects

• Bone and joint problems (e.g., osteoporosis).
• Cognitive changes (“chemo brain”).
• Digestive challenges.
• Heart conditions (e.g., hypertension, arrhythmia).
• Mental health concerns (e.g., depression, PTSD).
• Nerve damage (neuropathy).
• Reproductive changes (e.g., infertility, early menopause).

Not everyone experiences the same side effects, even with similar treatments. Your care team will monitor you closely and adjust your plan as needed.

Preparing for Treatment

Taking time to prepare can help you feel more confident and supported. Here are some steps you can take:

Talk with your care team about your treatment options. Write down questions and bring a support person to appointments.

Consider a second opinion to feel confident in your treatment plan.

Connect with others through support groups—online or in person. Ask your care team for recommendations.

Seek emotional support from trained professionals, such as psychologists or oncology social workers.

Prepare your body with services like nutritional counseling, physical activity programs, and wellness resources.

Staying Connected with Your Care Team

Throughout your treatment journey - and after it ends - your CU Cancer Center care team will closely monitor your progress. Regular follow-up visits help us assess how well your treatment is working, manage side effects, and adjust your care plan as needed.

What You Can Do