Colon cancer, also called colorectal cancer, is cancer that starts in the colon, which is the last part of the digestive system. Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells and is a common treatment for this type of cancer. Chemotherapy is given in cycles, with each cycle consisting of a week or more of medication, followed by a week of no medication to let the body rest. Various chemotherapy drugs may be used, and more than one is typically given to be most effective.
Capecitabine (Xeloda)
Capecitabine is a chemotherapy drug known as an anti-metabolite, according to the American Cancer Society. This drug interferes with cell DNA and RNA, which stops cancer cell growth. This medication is given orally as a pill twice a day, typically in the morning and evening. Common side effects can include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, mouth sores, lowered white and red blood cell counts (which can increase risk of infection and anemia) and skin rashes. Capecitabine can also cause a condition called peripheral neuropathy, which results from nerve damage in the hands and feet and causes tingling and numbness and temperature sensitivity in the extremities.
Irinotecan (Camptosar)
Irinotecan is a drug known as a plant alkaloid that is also a topoisomerase I inhibitor. This medication blocks an enzyme, topoisomerase I, that maintains cell DNA during cell division. Without this enzyme, cell damage occurs, resulting in eventual cell death. This chemotherapy drug is given intravenously over 90 minutes, either once every three weeks, or weekly for four weeks, followed by a week off. Irinotecan can cause diarrhea (which may become severe), nausea, lowered white and red blood cell counts, fatigue, stomach pain, hair thinning or loss and appetite loss. It may also cause cholinergic syndrome, which consists of a runny nose, increased saliva and tears, sweating, cramps and diarrhea.
Oxaliplatin (Eloxatin)
Oxaliplatin is typically used along with the drugs 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin as a treatment regimen for colon cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. It is a platinum-based chemotherapy drug that stops the growth of cancer cells and causes cell death. Common side effects of oxaliplatin can include nausea, vomiting, numbness in the lips, mouth sores, diarrhea, stomach pain and peripheral neuropathy. It can also cause lowered white and red blood cell counts.
