Advances in the adjuvant treatment of colorectal cancer.
BACKGROUND
There have been numerous advances in the adjuvant therapy of colon cancer in the last two decades.


METHODS
This review outlines the historical perspectives of adjuvant treatment as well as current and emerging standards of care.


RESULTS
Although previous regimens included a variety of equivalent schedules of 5-fluorouracil and folinic acid, integration of newer drugs such as oxaliplatin are offering significant improvements in disease-free survival. The use of targeted agents such as bevacuzimab creates the potential to further increase cure rates in the adjuvant setting. The current low rate of referral of eligible patients for chemotherapy in Australia is also discussed.


CONCLUSIONS
Adjuvant therapy for colon cancer is making major strides as we attempt to cure more patients.
Nordman
Ina C
IC
Department of Medical Oncology, Sydney Cancer Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Iyer
Shoba
S
Joshua
Anthony M
AM
Clarke
Stephen J
SJ
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001315:Australia; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents