In the context of colorectal cancer, which of the following describes its use at later stages?

In the context of colorectal cancer, the use of imaging techniques, including PET scans, at later stages primarily focuses on assessing and planning subsequent treatment strategies. This is critical since, at later stages of colorectal cancer, treatment options may shift towards palliative care, targeted therapies, or evaluating the effectiveness of ongoing treatments.

Utilizing imaging helps oncologists monitor how well the disease responds to therapy or if there are new developments in disease progression, such as metastasis. This information is essential for making informed decisions regarding alterations to the treatment approach, leveraging current interventions' effectiveness or considering new therapeutic options.

While initial diagnosis, staging, and restaging are vital at earlier points in the cancer care continuum, they primarily focus on identifying the presence of cancer and determining its extent. In contrast, focusing on treatment strategies specifically addresses how to tackle the cancer based on its behavior and response to prior treatments at this later stage. This distinction demonstrates the nuanced role of imaging in managing colorectal cancer effectively over time.