⦿ Colectomy (Surgery): The most effective treatment for FAP is a colectomy, where part or all of the colon is removed to prevent cancer development. In some cases, the rectum is also removed (proctocolectomy), and the small intestine is connected to an opening in the abdomen (stoma).
⦿ Polypectomy: During a colonoscopy, smaller polyps can be removed (polypectomy). This procedure reduces the number of polyps and lowers cancer risk, though it may need to be repeated regularly.
⦿ Chemoprevention: Certain medications, like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), have been shown to reduce the number of polyps or slow their growth, though they do not eliminate the need for surgery.
⦿ Endoscopic Mucosal Resection: This is a non-surgical technique to remove larger polyps during an endoscopy without needing invasive surgery.
⦿ Surveillance and Regular Screening: Ongoing monitoring through regular colonoscopies is essential to detect and remove new polyps before they turn cancerous.
⦿ Chemotherapy: If colorectal cancer develops, chemotherapy may be used to kill cancer cells and prevent them from spreading. It is usually reserved for advanced stages.
⦿ Targeted Therapy: New treatments targeting specific cancer pathways are available for patients with colorectal cancer. These therapies focus on cancer cells while sparing healthy cells.
⦿ Radiation Therapy: Although less common, radiation may be used if cancer has spread to other organs or tissues.
⦿ Gene Therapy (Experimental): Research is ongoing into ways to correct or replace the defective APC gene to prevent or reduce polyp formation, though this is not yet a standard treatment.
⦿ Lifestyle Changes: Although lifestyle changes alone won't prevent FAP, maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, and avoiding processed meats can reduce cancer risk. A diet high in fiber and low in processed foods may help manage symptoms.
