Chemotherapy for Colon Cancer

Chemotherapy is the use of very strong anticancer drugs to kill colon cancer cells.
Chemotherapy is a systemic treatment and will address cancer that is in the entire
body which is why it is often used to prevent spread or to treat cancer that has
already spread. This is not the only reason why chemotherapy is used so if you
doctor suggests treatment with chemotherapy drugs do not assume that your
cancer has spread and metastesized.

Chemotherapy plays a few roles in the treatment of colon cancer.
used to kill colon cancer cells that might have not been removed during surgical
removal of the colon cancer.
reduces the size of the tumor before surgery is performed
used to treat colon cancer by controlling the growth of the tumor.
used to relieve some of the symptoms of the colon cancer.
reduce the likelihood of recurrence
Chemotherapy is often used after surgery is performed to eliminate cancer cells that
may have been left behind and not removed by surgery. The chemotherapy can be
administered through an IV (intravenously) or in pill form. Once the chemotherapy
drugs enter the bloodstream they can reach cancer cells in all parts of the body.
Some studies have shown that using a regimen of chemotherapy after surgery for
colon cancer can increase the surivival rates for some stages of colon and rectal
cancers.

In patients with advanced colorectal cancer chemotherapy is often useful in relieving
the symptoms of the cancer.

Who is given Chemotherapy for Colon Cancer?
The general opinion in the medical community differs on whether chemotherapy for
Stage II colon cancer will be beneficial to the patient after surgery. It is usually only
advisable in very high risk patients.

Adjuvant chemotherapy after surgery is the standard of care for patients with Stage
III colorectal cancer. Also patients with Stage IV cancers of the colon or rectum can
benefit from the use of chemotherapy as it often will help to shrink the tumor,
increase life expectancy and improve the quality of life.

How is Chemotherapy Administered for Colorectal Cancer?

The use of adjuvant chemotherapy typically involves monthly administration of the
chemotherapy drugs for usually 6 to 8 months. Usually on or a combination of the
following drugs are administered:

5-FU (5-fluorouracil)
leucovorin
irinotecan
oxaliplatin (Eloxatin)
The standard adjuvant chemotherapy combination for colon cancer consists of 5-FU
and leucovorin.

Side Effects of Chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy can produce some side effects. The type of side effects experiences
depends upon the type of chemotherapy drugs used, how much of the drugs are
given and the period of time they are administered. The side effects also depend on
the individual.

The most common side effects for 5FU :

the feeling of being sick
diarrhea
sore mouth or mouth ulcers
drop in blood cell count
overall feeling of tiredness
The most common side effects of irinotecan :

increased perspiration
increase in the production of saliva
watery eyes
pain or cramps in the abdomen
diarrhea
overall feeling of being sick
drop in blood cell count
overall feeling of tiredness
hair thinning or loss
The most common side effects of oxaliplatin:

feeling of being sick
numbness or tingling of the extremeties
numbness in the lips