Clinical Research Directory

Inclusion Criteria: * Pathologic documentation of adenocarcinoma of the colon with or without penetration of the serosa with no lymph node metastases (Stage II pT3N0 or pT4bNO lesions, excluding pT4aN0; Modified Astler-Coller Stage B2); there can be no distant metastases or penetration of adjacent organs or structures; proximal, distal, and radial margins must be free of tumor Important note: A tumor nodule \> 3 mm in diameter in the perirectal or pericolonic adipose tissue without histologic evidence of residual node in the nodule is classified as regional/pericolonic node metastasis; however, a tumor nodule =\< 3 mm in diameter is classified in the T category as discontinuous extension (i.e., pT3); multiple metastatic foci seen microscopically only in the pericolonic fat should be considered as metastasis in a single lymph node for classification; although six or more nodes evaluated from the specimen is optimal, a minimum of three nodes (periodic or mesenteric) for evaluation is required for inclusion in the study * Complete, en bloc resection of all the primary tumor, performed as an open procedure, and not laparoscopically or laparoscopically assisted * No evidence of perforation or clinical obstruction of the bowel * The gross distal margin of the primary tumor must lie above the peritoneal reflection (i.e., it must be a colon, not a rectal cancer) * No previous radiation or chemotherapy for this malignancy * CALGB Performance status 0-1 * No concurrent treatment with systemic steroids is allowed; patients receiving replacement steroids for adrenal insufficiency are eligible; patients receiving inhaled steroids in daily doses of 500mg or less and patients being treated with topical steroids are eligible * No prior exposure to murine antibodies (e.g., diagnostic tests like the "oncoscint scan") * No uncontrolled or severe cardiovascular disease * No history of pancreatitis * Non-pregnant and non-lactating; patients of child-bearing potential should agree to use an effective method of birth control * No previous or concurrent malignancy is allowed, except inactive non-melanoma skin cancer, in situ carcinoma of the cervix, or other cancer if the patient has been disease-free for \>= 5 years; patients with more than one synchronous primary colon tumor are eligible; for the purpose of this protocol, staging classification will be based on the stage of the more advanced primary tumor * Granulocytes \> 1,800/μl * Platelet count \> 100,000/μl * BUN \< 1.5 x normal * Creatinine \< 1.5 x normal * Bilirubin \< 1.5 x normal