Best Doctors for Colorectal Cancer in Chicago, Illinois

Major Research Centers for Colorectal Cancer Clinical Trials in Chicago, Illinois

• University of Chicago Medicine: Known for its comprehensive cancer center which conducts a wide range of clinical trials including those focused on colorectal cancer.

• Northwestern Medicine: Offers numerous clinical trials through the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, focusing on innovative treatments for colorectal cancer.

• Rush University Medical Center: Part of the Rush health system, this center is involved in research and clinical trials aimed at finding new treatments for colorectal cancer.

• Loyola University Medical Center: Home to the Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center where various clinical trials, including those targeting colorectal cancer, are conducted.

Understanding Colorectal Cancer: Symptoms and Clinical Trials

Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer, affecting the colon or rectum, can manifest through various symptoms. It's important to note that early stages might not show any signs. However, as the condition progresses, you may notice:

• Changes in Bowel Habits: This includes diarrhea or constipation lasting for more than a few days.
• Blood in Stool: You might see bright red blood or very dark blood mixed in with your stool.
• Abdominal Discomfort: Persistent cramps, gas, pain, or feeling full or bloated can be warning signs.
• Unexplained Weight Loss: Losing weight without trying could indicate colorectal cancer among other conditions.
• Weakness and Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired without reason can be a symptom.
• Feeling That Your Bowel Doesn't Empty Completely: An ongoing sensation that you need to have a bowel movement that isn't relieved by doing so.

If you experience any of these symptoms for an extended period, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and management.

Clinical Trials on Colorectal Cancer

Clinical trials play a pivotal role in advancing our understanding and treatment of colorectal cancer. These research studies test new ways to prevent, detect, diagnose, or treat diseases. Participating in clinical trials offers patients access to cutting-edge treatments before they are widely available and contributes significantly to medical research.

Types of Clinical Trials for Colorectal Cancer Include:

1. Prevention Trials look at ways to prevent cancer from developing in people who have never had cancer or to prevent cancer from returning.
2. Screening Trials aim to find the best ways to detect colorectal cancer early when it's most treatable.
3. Treatment Trials test new treatments like novel drugs, surgery techniques, radiation therapies or combinations thereof.
4.  Quality of Life Studies (Supportive Care) explore ways to improve comfort and quality of life for individuals undergoing treatment.

Participation is voluntary; one can withdraw at any time if they feel uncomfortable continuing the study.

For those considering joining a clinical trial related to colorectal cancer - it’s essential first discuss this option with your healthcare team who can provide guidance tailored specifically your situation.

Treatment Options for Colorectal Cancer

1. Surgery

• Early-stage cancer: Removal of small tumors during a colonoscopy.
• More advanced cancer: Removing part of the colon or rectum (colectomy).
• For blockages or more severe cases: Sometimes, creating a new path for waste to leave your body (stoma) is necessary.

2. Radiation Therapy

• Uses powerful energy beams, like X-rays, to kill cancer cells.
• Often combined with chemotherapy before surgery to shrink large tumors or after surgery to target any remaining cancer cells.

3. Chemotherapy

• Involves drugs that kill cancer cells, usually given through an IV or as pills.
• Can be used before surgery (to shrink tumors), after surgery (to kill any leftover cells), or as the main treatment if the cancer has spread.

4. Targeted Drug Therapy

• Focuses on specific molecules involved in tumor growth and spread.
• Used mainly when colorectal cancer has spread and doesn't respond well to traditional chemotherapy.

5. Immunotherapy

• Boosts your immune system's ability to fight off the cancer.
• Works best for cancers with certain genetic markers and is typically reserved for advanced stages.

Each person’s treatment plan will vary based on factors like the stage of their disease and overall health. It's important to work closely with a healthcare team to choose the best approach tailored specifically for you.

Recent Breakthroughs in Clinical Trials for Colorectal Cancer

1. Immunotherapy Success

• What Happened: New immunotherapies have been effective for colorectal cancer patients with specific genetic features (like MSI-H or dMMR).
• Why It Matters: These treatments boost the immune system to better attack cancer cells, offering new hope for advanced cases.

2. Targeted Therapy Developments

• What Happened: Drugs targeting specific gene mutations in colorectal cancer cells, such as BRAF V600E, have shown success.
• Why It Matters: Patients with these mutations can get more personalized and effective treatment options.

3. Combination Treatment Approaches

• What Happened: Studies combining different types of treatments (e.g., chemotherapy and immunotherapy) have improved patient outcomes.
• Why It Matters: This strategy can make treatments more effective, leading to longer survival times and a better quality of life.

4. Advances in Early Detection

• What Happened: Research is improving early detection through non-invasive tests that find DNA from cancer cells in blood.
• Why It Matters: Catching the disease early greatly improves treatment success rates and could lower death rates from colorectal cancer.

5. Microbiome Research

• What Happened: Scientists are exploring how gut bacteria might influence colorectal cancer development and progression.
• -Why It Matters: This could lead to new prevention or treatment methods by altering the microbiome to combat cancer growth.

These breakthroughs represent important progress in tackling colorectal cancer, providing new avenues for treatment and increasing survival chances for patients.

In Chicago, Illinois, the most well-regarded colorectal cancer specialists include:

1. Dr. Ardaman Shergill from the University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center
2. Dr. Russell Szmulewitz, also from the University of Chicago
3. Dr. Oana Danciu from the University of Illinois

These doctors are highly respected in their field and are affiliated with top-tier institutions known for their comprehensive cancer care and research programs, ensuring patients have access to advanced treatments and clinical trials tailored to colorectal cancer.