| Theme | Chemotherapy for Gastrointestinal Malignancy | |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Chemotherapy for Advanced or Metastatic Colorectal Cancer | |
| Publish Date | 2001/05 | |
| Author | Yasuhide Yamada | National Cancer Center Hospital, Division of Gastrointestinal Oncology |
| Author | Kuniaki Shirao | National Cancer Center Hospital, Division of Gastrointestinal Oncology |
| [ Summary ] | 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) was the only active agent against metastatic colorectal cancer, until a decade ago. Many oncologists investigated the best schedule and route for this drug, and how to augment it through biochemical modulation, in combination with leucovorin (LV), methotrexate, etc. In recent years, we got some new active agents for metastatic colorectal cancer are irinotecan (CPT-11), oxaliplatin and oral fluoropyrimidines. Recent, randomized controlled trials revealed 5-FU/LV/CPT-11 therapy is superior in respect to overall response rate and survival to 5-FU/LV therapy as the standard therapy for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Tegafur and uracil (UFT)/LV, oral fluoropyrimidine, are similar to 5-FU/LV in their clinical activity. The standard adjuvant chemotherapy for Dukes' C colon cancer is 5-FU/LV. Its role in treating Dukes' B colon cancer is less clear. Molecular target drugs as inhibitors of angiogenesis or receptor tyrosine kinase are now developed in clinical trials. The strategy of metastatic colorectal cancer is achieving a promising state. |
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