Role of new agents in the treatment of colorectal cancer.
5-Fluorouracil has been the basis of chemotherapy for colorectal cancer over the past 40 years. Various methods of administration of this drug have been investigated to identify the most efficacious form of administration. Two other agents in common usage are Irinotecan and Oxaliplatin. Both of these are being studied to determine their role as primary or second line agents and their efficacy in combination with each other and 5-FU. New agents undergoing development include COX2 inhibitors and epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor targeting drugs i.e. Cetuximab, Tyrosine kinase inhibitors and Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor inhibitors. This article reviews the above mentioned drugs and includes a recommended approach to chemotherapy in metastatic colorectal cancer.
Köhne
Claus-Henning
CH
Klinik for Oncology/Hematology, Klinikum Oldenburg, Dr. Eden-Str. 10, 26133 Oldenburg, Germany.
Bruce
Caroline
C
Folprecht
Gunnar
G
Audisio
Riccardo
R
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000465:Algorithms; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002166:Camptothecin / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D000077146:Irinotecan; D009944:Organoplatinum Compounds / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000077150:Oxaliplatin; D011743:Pyrimidines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D059004:Topoisomerase I Inhibitors
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D009944:Organoplatinum Compounds; D011743:Pyrimidines; D059004:Topoisomerase I Inhibitors; D000077150:Oxaliplatin; D000077146:Irinotecan; D002166:Camptothecin