title: Management of advanced colorectal cancer: state of the art.
abstract: Colorectal cancer (CRC) caused over 500 000 deaths worldwide in 2002. Recent advances in the treatment of advanced disease include the incorporation of two new cytotoxic agents, irinotecan and oxaliplatin, into first-line regimens. The concept of planned sequential therapy involving three active agents during the course of a patient's treatment is evolving. Coupled with the integrated use of targeted monoclonal antibodies, we can now expect overall survival rates for advanced disease to exceed 20 months. This review considers current treatments and suggests where future progress may occur.
authors.affiliation: Christie Hospital NHS Trust, Wilmslow Road, Manchester M20 4BX, UK. mark.saunders@christie-tr.nwest.nhs.uk
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Saunders
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Iveson
mesh_terms: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D018450:Disease Progression; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D015996:Survival Rate
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents