Advances in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer.
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men and women in the United
States. In 1997, it is estimated that 131,200 new cases of colorectal cancer will be diagnosed and 54,900
deaths will occur due to the disease. Although the tumor is localized at the time of diagnosis and resection
with curative intent is possible in approximately 75% of patients, more than a third will develop disease
recurrence. Consequently, almost half of all patients with colorectal cancer will die of metastatic disease.
Mitchell
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Gastrointestinal Oncology, Philadelphia, Pa.