Survival of colorectal cancer has improved as a result of new treatments, but the introduction of new agents has resulted in increased variability in treatment options and increased costs.

Level I Pathways is a set of evidence-based treatment guidelines developed by physicians in The US Oncology Network, which uses only high-level evidence to assess efficacy, toxicity, and cost when recommending therapies.

This study by The US Oncology Network and Milliman found that colon cancer treatment consistent with Level I Pathways cost significantly less and results in outcomes consistent with published evidence.