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What Are the Medications Used for Colorectal Cancer?

May 31, 2010 | By IkechiK

According to the American Cancer Society, there are more than one million survivors of colorectal cancer in the U.S. and the death rate from this third leading cause of cancer deaths continues to fall. This good news, says the ACS, is due to improved screening methods and advances in treatment.
Treatment options for colorectal cancer include surgery, radiation therapy and medications. Several medications commonly are used in the treatment of colorectal cancer.

5-Flourouracil

5-flourouracil, 5-FU, is the foremost drug used in the treatment of colorectal cancer says the ACS. Chemocare.com describes it as an antimetabolite, which works by blocking the ability of the cancer cells to utilize a very essential substance, pyrimidine, in the processes involved in cell growth and division. According to the ACS, 5-FU usually is given into the vein, over one or two days. The dose is repeated every two weeks over a period of six months to a year.

Leucovorin

Leucovorin or folinic acid, is a reduced for of the vitamin, folic acid. According to the ACS, it is added to the treatment with 5-FU to increase the effectiveness of 5-FU. Chemocare.com says it works by increasing the uptake of 5-FU by the cancer cells.

Capecitabine

Capecitabine is a medication taken as a pill. According to the ACS, it can be as effective as intravenous 5-FU. The advantage is that it can be taken at home, unlike 5-FU that requires an admission to the hospital.

Irinotecan

Irinotecan is sometimes used in combination with 5-FU and leucovirin. This combination, called FOLFIRI regimen, is used as first line treatment in some cases of advanced colorectal cancer. Irinotecan also can be used alone in cases where other drugs have proved ineffective, says the ACS. According to Chemocare.com, irinotecan is a plant extract from the Asian "happy tree." It works by interfering with the enzyme that configures genetic material to prepare it for replication in cell division. It is given by intravenous injections.

Oxaliplatin

Oxaliplatin is a metallic salt given by intravenous injection, which is usually combined with 5-FU and leucovorin, in the FOLFOX regimen or capecitabin, in the CapeOX regimen. According to the ACS, these combinations are used in the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer or as a follow-up treatment after surgery in early stages of colorectal cancer. According to Chemocare.com, oxaliplatin, an alkylating agent, works by changing genetic material, thereby disrupting all cellular function.

Immunotherapy

Drugs used in immunotherapy, also called targeted therapy, are designed to disrupt cancer-specific mechanisms or structures.
Bevacizumab, according to the ACS, is a man-made immune system protein that obstructs the ability of cancers to grow new blood vessels, a process called angiogenesis, necessary for continued growth and spread. The target of bevacizumab is a cancer specific protein called vascular endothelial growth factor, VEGF. It is given by intravenous injection, usually in combination with chemotherapy in advanced cancer.
Cetuximab and panitumumab are also man-made immune system proteins. These target a cancer specific cell-surface protein, endothelial growth factor receptor, EGFR, which aids the rapid growth and multiplication of cancer cells. According to MayoClinic.com, they can be given in combination with chemotherapy or alone. They are usually reserved for advanced cases of colorectal cancer, especially with metastasis, and are given by intravenous injection.

Other Medications

Some other medications are used in cancer treatment as complimentary treatments to relieve pain and discomfort and improve quality of life. The opioids like morphine can be given for pain relief. Multivitamins and drugs that suppress vomiting can be given to treat adverse effects of other modes of treatment.

References

Article reviewed by Jerri Farris Last updated on: May 31, 2010

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