Chemotherapy for Colorectal Cancer

Chemotherapy uses drugs to enter the bloodstream and travel throughout the body to kill cancer cells. The side effects from chemotherapy are from the destruction of normal cells. Chemotherapy may be given either alone, or with surgery, radiation therapy, or other medications.

Commonly used agents include:

5-Fluorouracil with leucovorin
Capecitabine
Oxaliplatin
Irinotecan

Chemotherapy is usually given by vein, but some forms can be given by mouth. Your medical oncologist will tell you how many cycles or courses of chemotherapy are best for you.

The side effects and amount of time required in the doctor’s office depend on the type of chemotherapy you receive, as well as how many cycles you receive and how often. The most common chemotherapy-associated side effects are:

Nausea and vomiting
Fatigue or tiredness
Confusion, forgetfulness
Decreased blood counts, sometimes with bruising, bleeding, or infection
Possible sores inside the mouth
Numbness in the hands and feet
Diarrhea
Increased urgency to have a bowel movement or urinate

A variety of drugs is available to help manage side effects such as nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, and fatigue due to anemia. Ask your doctor what treatments may be appropriate for you to manage these side effects, and be certain to contact your doctor as soon as you begin to experience side effects. The earlier side effects are addressed, the more likely they will be controlled with a minimum of discomfort.

References

Colon cancer treatment option overview. National Cancer Institute website. Available at: http://cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/colon/Patient/page4. Accessed May 14, 2013.

Colorectal cancer. American Cancer Society website. Available at: http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/cid/documents/webcontent/003096-pdf.pdf. Updated January 17, 2013. Accessed May 15, 2013.

Colorectal cancer. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php. Updated May 3, 2013. Accessed May 15, 2013.

Rectal cancer treatment option overview. National Cancer Institute website. Available at: http://cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/rectal/Patient/page4. Accessed May 14, 2013.

Revision Information

Reviewer: Mohei Abouzied, MD; Brian Randall, MD
Review Date: 05/2013 -
Update Date: 05/15/2013 -

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

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