Progress in the development of novel treatments for colorectal cancer.
Colorectal cancer remains one of the major causes of cancer death worldwide, but the past few years have witnessed the development of a number of new, effective treatment options, which have led to considerable improvement in the survival rate for patients suffering from this common cancer. The advent of agents such as capecitabine (Xeloda), irinotecan (Camptosar), and oxaliplatin (Eloxatin), and newer molecular targeted agents such as cetuximab (Erbitux) and bevacizumab (Avastin) brought innovation to the treatment of colorectal cancer. Oncologists are no longer restricted to using fluorouracil and its variations as the only active treatment, and the number of patients who are able to live longer continues to increase. Patients presenting with stage III cancer can expect a greater chance for cure, and those presenting with metastatic disease can expect a median survival approaching 2 years.
Hoff
Paulo M
PM
Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas, M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA. Phoff@mdanderson.org
Pazdur
Richard
R
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000008:administration & dosage; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000068258:Bevacizumab; D002166:Camptothecin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives; D000069287:Capecitabine; D000068818:Cetuximab; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003841:Deoxycytidine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D000077146:Irinotecan; D009944:Organoplatinum Compounds / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000077150:Oxaliplatin
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D009944:Organoplatinum Compounds; D000077150:Oxaliplatin; D003841:Deoxycytidine; D000068258:Bevacizumab; D000069287:Capecitabine; D000077146:Irinotecan; D000068818:Cetuximab; D005472:Fluorouracil; D002166:Camptothecin