Chemo for Colon Cancer

Chemotherapy, or chemo, is a common treatment for colon cancer. It works by destroying cells that follow an unusually rapid growth pattern, as cancerous cells often do.

The most common drug used to treat colon cancer is called 5-Fluoroucil, or 5-FU. This drug can be highly effective for early-stage colon cancers, as well as for tumors that have spread to other organs. Some studies have also shown that 5-FU can help make radiation therapy more effective.

Other chemo drugs used for colon cancer treatment include:

• Capecitabine
• Irinotecan
• Oxaliplatin
• A combination of trifluridine and tirapacil

Each patient’s treatment plan depends on a number of different factors, such as the stage of the patient’s cancer and the type of cells that make up the tumor. The medical professional who determines which drugs should be used is known as a medical oncologist.

At Moffitt Cancer Center, our medical oncologists work closely with the other members of a patient’s treatment team to design an integrative, multispecialty therapy plan. Each patient’s progress is reviewed during our weekly tumor board meetings, and adjustments can be made as necessary. As a result of our highly individualized approach, we ensure our patients can enjoy the best possible quality of life.

Despite being able to produce excellent outcomes, we are still actively researching new chemotherapy medications and targeted treatments. Through our clinical trials, we are working to develop more effective drugs that produce fewer side effects, leading to better results and higher-quality lives for our patients.

To learn more about chemo for colon cancer or any of the novel chemotherapy drugs currently available in our clinical trials, call 1-888-663-3488 or submit a new patient registration form online. A referral is not required to make an appointment with one of our expert medical oncologists.