Chemotherapy is normally used in combination with surgery and/or radiation for the treatment of colon cancer. Chemotherapy usually follows surgery as a part of an overall treatment plan to extend colon cancer survival. If found and treated in early stages (stages I or II), the five-year survival rate ranges from 75 to 95 percent. Chemotherapy drugs are used to kill cancer cells to prevent their regrowth.
5-FU and Leucovorin
5-Flurouracil, commonly known as 5-FU, is the oldest chemotherapy drug for colon cancer. When the cancer cell takes in this medication, it becomes unable to divide. Leucovorin is derived from vitamin A and is used to decrease the side effects of 5-FU. These medications are commonly used in combination with other medications to treat advanced colon cancer. The American Cancer Society lists possible side effects as "nausea, loss of appetite, mouth sores, diarrhea, low blood cell counts, sensitivity to sunlight and hand-foot syndrome."
Eloxatin (Oxaliplatin)
Chemocare.com describes oxaliplatin as a drug that kills cancer cells while they are in their resting phase. The use of this medication in combination 5-FU and leucovorin is called "FOLFOX," and it is commonly used in the later stages of colon cancer. Common side effects include a unique sensitivity to cold up to a week after infusion, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, diarrhea, numbness of hands and feet, and mouth sores.
Camptosar (Irinotecan Hydrochloride)
Camptosar is a chemotherapy drug that works by stopping cancer cells from dividing. It combines with fluorouracil and leucovorin to make up the chemotherapy regimen known as "FOLFIRI." It can also be used on its own when other treatments have been ineffective. According to the American Cancer Society, Camptosar can be dangerous to some patients, and can cause severe diarrhea and low blood counts.
Erbitux (Cetuximab)
Erbitux is a form of chemotherapy drug that attaches itself to the outside of the cancer cell, causing it to die. It is used for colon cancer that has spread and is in the advanced stages. Erbitux is known for causing an acne-like rash, weakness, fevers and low magnesium levels.
Avastin (Bevacizumab)
Avastin works by stunting a tumor's blood supply and inhibiting its growth. Avastin is used in late stages of colon cancer. Chemocare.com lists Avastin side effects such as pain, weakness, nausea, vomiting, headaches, anorexia, constipation, bleeding, fatigue, hair loss and diarrhea. Serious side effects are rare, but include life-threatening bleeding, heart failure and wounds not healing properly.
References
- "Core Cirriculum for Oncology Nursing"; Joanne, Itano Ph.D., Karen Taoka, M.S.N.; 2005
- Chemocare.com: Eloxatin
- American Cancer Society: Colon Cancer Chemotherapy
- Chemocare.com: Avastin
