The role of chemotherapy and adjuvant therapy in the management of colorectal cancer.
This review of the current literature related to the use of chemo- and adjuvant chemotherapy in colorectal carcinoma emphasizes the present dilemma in caring for people affected with this disorder. Adjuvant chemotherapy using combinations of 5-fluorouracil and levamisole clearly prolong survival, albeit, for only a small group of individuals. However, for the older person, this regimen may be associated with unacceptable toxicity and a physician's inability to deliver a dose-intensive course, as the authors currently understand it. Although quality of life is a clear concern of many older persons, little currently is available to evaluate this parameter during chemotherapy. It remains an important issue to address in the elderly person, because 35% of individuals found to have colorectal carcinoma are older than 65 years. Hopefully, better staging by incorporating molecular biologic techniques will assist in the effort to uncover the best regimens.
Forman
W B
WB
Department of Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque.
D000368:Aged; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000188:drug therapy; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D007978:Levamisole / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*
D007978:Levamisole; D005472:Fluorouracil