[Colorectal cancer: a controllable disease]

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Gastroenterology
• Cancer Research

Context:

• Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer mortality in Western nations.
• Adjuvant chemotherapy, particularly 5-fluorouracil with folinic acid (5FU/FA), offers significant survival benefits for Dukes C colon cancer.
• Established treatments improve survival and quality of life for patients with disseminated colorectal cancer.

Purpose:

• To review current treatment strategies for colorectal cancer.
• To highlight the efficacy of 5FU/FA-based regimens in both adjuvant and metastatic settings.
• To discuss emerging therapies and the importance of an active patient management approach.

Summary:

• Adjuvant chemotherapy increases the 5-year disease-free survival rate by approximately 10% for Dukes C colon cancer patients.
• 5FU/FA-based treatments double survival compared to best supportive care in disseminated disease, with improved quality of life.
• Second-line therapies like CPT-11 and oxaliplatin show potential to extend median survival by an additional ten months.

Impact:

• An active approach to colorectal cancer management can reduce disease incidence.
• Improved treatment strategies aim to increase the number of disease-free survivors post-surgery.
• The goal is to prolong survival and enhance the quality of life for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.