Colorectal cancer can be treated using treatments such as chemotherapy and targeted therapy. These medications can help reduce tumor size and manage symptoms.
Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the colon or rectum. Treatment often involves a combination of therapies, including surgery, radiation, and medication.
Colorectal cancer medication helps eliminate cancer cells, slow their growth, or manage symptoms. Your choice of medication depends on the cancer stage, specific cancer characteristics, and your overall health.
Learn more about the different types of colorectal cancer medication, including how they work, possible side effects, and other treatment options.
Chemotherapy medications
Chemotherapy uses medications to treat cancer cells. A healthcare professional can administer it in various forms, including oral capsules, intravenous (IV) infusions, and injections.
The goals of chemotherapy in the treatment of colorectal cancer are:
- shrinking the tumor before surgery
- eliminating any remaining cancer cells after surgery
- alleviating symptoms when cancer has spread beyond the colon or rectum
Doctors often administer chemotherapy in cycles, allowing your body to recover between treatments. Each cycle typically lasts 2 to 3 weeks , but the schedule can vary depending on the drugs administered.
Common chemotherapy drugs include:
Fluorouracil (5-FU)
A medical professional administers fluorouracil (5-FU) through an IV infusion. It disrupts the DNA and RNA of cancer cells, inhibiting their growth and division.
This medication is effective in reducing tumor size and relieving symptoms. It’s often given in combination with other medications, such as leucovorin.
The typical dosage involves an initial IV dose of 400 milligrams per square meter (mg/m²) on the first day, followed by a continuous IV infusion of 1200 to 1500 mg/m² over 24 hours.
However, you may experience side effects such as:
Capecitabine
Capecitabine, sold under the brand name Xeloda , is an oral tablet. Once taken, it converts to its active form, 5-FU, which targets and destroys cancer cells.
This medication helps shrink tumors, making them easier to remove through surgery. It can also help reduce symptoms in advanced cancer cases.
The typical dosage is 1,250 mg/m² taken by mouth twice daily for the first 14 days of each 21-day cycle, for up to 8 cycles.
Common side effects include :
- hand-foot syndrome (discoloration and pain in these body areas)
- diarrhea
- fatigue
Oxaliplatin
A healthcare professional administers oxaliplatin (Eloxatin) via IV infusion . It binds to DNA in cancer cells, preventing them from replicating and causing cell death.
The goal is to reduce tumor size and improve overall survival. Your dosage is based on body surface area and is usually given every 2 weeks .
Oxaliplatin is often given in combination with other chemotherapy drugs like fluorouracil and leucovorin in a regimen known as FOLFOX .
Side effects can include :
- peripheral neuropathy (tingling or numbness in hands and feet)
- nausea
- fatigue
Targeted therapy medications
Doctors often use targeted therapy for advanced colorectal cancer or when cancer cells have specific genetic mutations.
These medications specifically destroy cancer cells without harming healthy cells, providing a more precise approach than traditional chemotherapy.
Common targeted therapy drugs include :
Bevacizumab
A doctor administers bevacizumab (Avastin) through an IV infusion. It can slow tumor growth and enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy. It can also improve survival rates when given with chemotherapy.
It inhibits the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to slow or stop tumor growth. The VEGF is a protein that helps tumors develop new blood vessels.
Typically, bevacizumab is given at a dose of 5 to 10 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) every 2 weeks, often alongside fluorouracil-based chemotherapy.
Potential side effects include:
Cetuximab
A medical professional will give cetuximab (Erbitux) through an IV infusion. It works by binding to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) on cancer cells, blocking signals that promote their growth.
The primary goal is to slow or stop tumor growth and improve symptoms. The typical dosage starts with 400 mg/m² initially, followed by 250 mg/m² weekly, but doctors can also administer it bi-weekly.
It specifically targets cancer cells, improving survival rates, tumor control, and quality of life.
Commonly reported side effects include:
- acne-like rash
- fatigue
- weakness
Immunotherapy medications
Doctors use immunotherapy when colorectal cancer has specific biomarkers that make it more likely to respond to these treatments. It helps your body’s immune system recognize and destroy cancer cells.
Common immunotherapy drugs include :
Pembrolizumab
Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) is an IV medication that targets PD-1, a protein on immune cells that typically prevents them from attacking other cells in the body.
By blocking PD-1, pembrolizumab enhances the immune system’s ability to destroy cancer cells, leading to tumor shrinkage.
The usual dosage is a 200 mg infusion , which a medical professional will administer over 30 minutes every 3 weeks.
Possible side effects may include:
Nivolumab
Similar to pembrolizumab, nivolumab (Opdivo) targets PD-1 to boost the immune system’s ability to destroy cancer cells. It’s given every 2 to 4 weeks , with a dosage of 240 mg every 2 weeks or 480 mg every 4 weeks.
Common side effects include:
Other treatment options
While medications are important in managing colorectal cancer, there are other treatment options available. Your doctor may offer these in combination with colorectal cancer medication. These include :
- Surgery: Often the first line of treatment, surgery aims to remove the tumor and surrounding tissues. Types of surgery include hemicolectomy (partial removal of the colon) and more extensive procedures like colectomy , which involves removing part or all of the colon.
- Clinical trials: These provide access to new treatments and therapies under research. Participation in clinical trials can provide additional options for those not responding to standard treatments.
Finding support
Receiving a diagnosis of colorectal cancer can be overwhelming, but numerous support resources are available, including:
- Support groups: Organizations like the American Cancer Society offer support groups where those with cancer and their families can share experiences and receive emotional support.
- Online communities: Websites like CancerCare provide online forums and counseling services.
- Patient navigators: These are healthcare professionals who help guide people through their treatment journey, assisting with appointments, transportation, and financial concerns.
- Educational resources: Comprehensive information about colorectal cancer and treatment options can be found on sites like the National Cancer Institute .
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the drug of choice for colon cancer?
The drug of choice for colon cancer, or first-line treatment, is typically 5FU-based (IV or oral-capecitabine). This medication is given as an oral tablet and can help target and destroy cancer cells. However, a doctor will select the most appropriate treatment for your colon cancer based on your existing medical conditions and health status.
What is the main treatment for colorectal cancer?
The main treatment for colorectal cancer often involves surgery and chemotherapy.
Can colon cancer be cured permanently?
Colon cancer is a highly treatable condition. If the colon cancer is limited to the colon, it’s still curable with surgery (with or without chemotherapy). If it has spread to the nearby lymph nodes, then surgery and chemotherapy will be required in an effort to achieve a cure.
Takeaway
Colorectal cancer medication includes chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Each type may help treat the condition, reduce tumor size, or manage cancer symptoms.
Chemotherapy is used before or after surgery or in advanced cases. Targeted therapies focus on specific cancer cells. And immunotherapy boosts the body’s immune response against cancer.
Speaking with a healthcare professional can help determine the best treatment plan for your condition.
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