Colorectal Chemotherapy Drugs
Currently there are four chemotherapy drugs and three biologic agents approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States to treat colon and rectal cancer.
Chemotherapy drugs
- 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) which can be modified with leucovorin
- Xeloda® (capecitabine), an oral pro-drug that acts like 5-FU in tissues
- Camptosar® (irinotecan)
- Eloxatin® (oxaliplatin)
Biologic agents
- Avastin® (bevacizumab)
- Erbitux® (cetuximab)
- Vectibix™ (panitumumab)
In addition, there are other drugs and biologic agents that are being tested in clinical trials.
Questions to ask your doctor before you begin treatment
- What are the names of the drugs you will be giving me?
- How often will I receive them? How long will each treatment take?
- How will I receive them — by mouth, IV injection, infusion?
- Is this the standard treatment for my diagnosis? If not, why are you recommendng it?
- Will I need a pump for a continuous infusion?
- Would it help to have a permanent port so that I could avoid unnecessary needle sticks?
- What side effects should I expect?
- Are there other uncommon side effects that might happen?
- What medicines will you give me to prevent or reduce side effects?
- When should I call you about a side effect or other symptom?
- What number should I call and who will answer?
Last Update: June 29, 2008
Medical Review
This page is under review by C3's medical review network.
