OSF HealthCare takes a comprehensive approach to colorectal cancer. We follow the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines. 

You will receive the most up-to-date treatments based on clinical research. Our colorectal cancer specialists provide superior and compassionate care throughout your journey, from diagnosis to treatment and through survivorship.

OSF HealthCare Cancer Institute in Peoria is a Nationally Accredited Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC). OSF Cancer Institute is the first program to be accredited in Illinois.

Rectal cancer staging workup has been grouped into one-day testing that includes bloodwork (CEA tumor marker) CT, MRI, and endoscopy. Your case will be discussed at a multidisciplinary tumor board that consists of gastroenterologists, colorectal surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists and radiologists. Our team will make individualized recommendations and staging based on those results and help develop the best treatment plan.  

After your case review, you will meet with your team collectively to discuss these recommendations and answer your questions. This multidisciplinary team will work together to ensure you receive the most up-to-date treatment available. They want to make sure you are comfortable with the plan.

We provide education, prevention and screenings with minimally invasive treatments. You have a committed partner to get you and your loved ones back to health.

Colon and Rectal Cancers We Treat

Colorectal cancerous cells develop in the tissues of the colon or rectum. They are found in the lower part of the digestive system. They form a long, muscular tube called the large intestine or large bowel.

Colorectal cancers include:

• Anal
• Appendiceal
• Colon
• Rectal

Treatments We Offer

OSF HealthCare offers a full range of services and treatment options. The types of treatment used will depend on the type of cancer and where it is located. Services and treatments include:

• Chemotherapy
• Clinical trials
• Immunotherapy
• Interventional radiology – liver directed therapy for metastasis for unresectable disease such as ablation and embolization
• Radiation therapy
• External beam radiation
• Proton beam therapy
• Surgery – minimally invasive, robotic and laparoscopic
• Targeted therapy
• Watch and wait approach – If you have early-stage rectal cancer and achieve excellent tumor response to pre-surgery combined chemotherapy and radiation, you may undergo active watching by your care team rather than having rectal surgery.

Care Team

Quality cancer treatment depends upon coordination and collaboration between treatment providers and you. We take a team-based approach, bringing together multiple specialists with expertise in the treatment and research of colorectal cancer. 

Our specialists embrace the latest technologies and methods for diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation. 

You will have a dedicated team of radiologists and pathologists who work together to diagnose cancer. And your care team could consist of gastroenterologists, colorectal surgeons, and medical and radiation oncologists.

Our nurse navigators work to ensure that your diagnosis and treatment appointments run smoothly. They also arrange supportive service appointments with counselors, financial navigators and oncology dieticians. 

Other specialized providers and therapists, including pelvic floor therapists and ostomy nurses, work with you after your treatment.

The OSF Cancer Institute in Peoria provides you with additional specialist clinics if needed.

Specialized clinics are also available at The OSF Cancer Institute in Peoria. Clinics include:

• High-risk genetic clinic – a team of advanced practice providers who help you with the risk for hereditary cancers.
• Intimacy clinic – Intimacy issues and concerns after surgery or radiation are real and are noted as a major source of distress among cancer survivors. Advanced practice providers, pelvic floor physical therapists and counselors work together to help manage and improve intimacy.
• Palliative care clinic – a team of physicians and nurses that support you with symptom management.