Chemotherapy for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

Authors:
Joseph Rosales Division of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA

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Lucille A. Leong Division of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA

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Volume/Issue:
Volume 3: Issue 4
Online Publication Date:
Jul 2005
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.6004/jnccn.2005.0028
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The past decade has seen a significant survival improvement for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, fueled in large part by the arrival of active novel chemotherapeutic drugs and their incorporation into combination regimens. Several randomized trials have successfully integrated oxaliplatin and irinotecan into previously existing 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-based regimens for advanced colorectal cancer, resulting in median survivals that have risen from 9 months to almost 2 years. Even as the ideal combinations and sequences of these regimens are elucidated, targeted therapies such as recently approved bevacizumab and cetuximab have been added to treatment protocols, with favorable consequences. We review the evolution of primary chemotherapy for advanced colorectal cancer, focusing on the trials that have led to the new standard first-line treatments. We also review the data on newer targeted therapies, especially in combination with cytotoxic therapy.

Correspondence: Lucille A. Leong, MD, Division of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 East Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010. Email: lleong@coh.org
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Print ISSN:
1540-1405
Online ISSN:
1540-1413
Publisher:
National Comprehensive Cancer Network
Cover Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network
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Copyright:
Copyright © 2005 by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network 2005
Page Numbers:
5
Article Category:
Research Article
Received:
07 Apr 2005
Accepted:
17 Jun 2005
Print Publication Date:
01 Jul 2005
Online Publication Date:
Jul 2005
Keywords:
Colon cancer; oxaliplatin; irinotecan; bevacizumab; cetuximab; colorectal cancer; chemotherapy; metastases

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