Despite the progress in the comprehensive management of colorectal cancer, locally advanced (T3 and T4 stages) and metastatic colorectal cancer is still a challenging problem. Although researches on neoadjuvant therapy and targeted therapy have obtained many encouraging results, many unanswered questions still remain. These include the indication of multivisceral resection for locally advanced colorectal cancer, the optimal management of patients with hepatic and (or) pulmonary metastasis. R0 resection was the first choice for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer, but it is only suitable for selected patients. Chemotherapy and targeted therapy are effective in converting some unresectable liver metastasis into resectable disease. This review focuses on recent improvements in the management of locally advanced colorectal cancer, as well as the management of hepatic and (or) pulmonary metastasis.