Therapeutic options for treating advanced colorectal cancer.
Despite recent decreases in overall incidence and mortality, colorectal cancer is a major health concern affecting 1 of every 18 Americans. Although potentially curable if detected early, 25% of patients present with metastatic disease, whereas another 10%-60% develop metastases resulting from the spread of microscopic disease not noted at the time of initial surgery. Historical treatment options for advanced colorectal cancer have been unsatisfactory, with survival rates of approximately 9%. This article reviews the newer treatment options that are available to patients while providing nurses with information they need to confidently care for patients receiving these treatments.
Berg
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deborahberg@mediaone.net
Lilienfeld
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D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002166:Camptothecin / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007261:Infusions, Intra-Arterial; D000077146:Irinotecan; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000556:secondary* / Q000628:therapy*; D009944:Organoplatinum Compounds / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000077150:Oxaliplatin; D013940:Thymidylate Synthase / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D009944:Organoplatinum Compounds; D000077150:Oxaliplatin; D000077146:Irinotecan; D013940:Thymidylate Synthase; D002166:Camptothecin