Chemotherapy For Colon Cancer

Chemotherapy uses a very strong anti-cancer therapy to destroy cancer cells of the colon. Chemotherapy, systemic therapy and treat cancer throughout the body and is therefore often used to treat or prevent the spread of cancer has already spread. This is not the only reason why chemotherapy is used so that if the doctor suggests treatment with chemotherapy drugs do not suppose that the cancer has spread and metastesized.Chemotherapy play some role in the treatment of colon cancer. used to kill colon cancer cells that can not be removed during the surgical removal of colon cancer cancer.reduces whole before surgery is performed to check tumor growth of colon cancer. is used to relieve some symptoms of colon cancer.

reduce the likelihood of recidivism

Chemotherapy is often used when surgery is performed to remove cancer cells that may be left or removed surgically. Chemotherapy can be given through the IV (intravenous) or in pill form. When chemotherapy drugs enter the bloodstream, they reach the tumor cells in all parts of the body. Some studies have shown that treatment with chemotherapy after surgery of colon cancer may increase rates for some stages of surivival cancers.In patients with colorectal cancer, chemotherapy is often helpful in relieving the symptoms of cancer .

Who is given Chemotherapy for Colon Cancer?

The general perception in the medical world is different on chemotherapy for colon cancer stage II will benefit the patient after surgery. It is generally recommended that chemotherapy at very high risk patients.Adjuvant after surgery is the standard of care for patients with colon cancer stage III. In addition, patients with stage IV cancer of the colon or rectum may

benefit from the use of chemotherapy as it often helps to shrink the tumor,

life expectancy and improve quality of life.

How is chemotherapy given to colorectal cancer?

The use of adjuvant chemotherapy typically involves monthly administration of chemotherapy drugs for usually 6 to 8 months. Usually on or a combination of the following medications given are:

* 5-FU (5-fluorouracil)

Leucovorin *

* Irinotecan

* Oxaliplatin (Eloxatin)

* The combination of standard adjuvant chemotherapy for colon cancer consists of 5-FU and leucovorin.

Side effects of chemotherapy:

Chemotherapy can cause side effects. The type of experiments side effects depends on the type of chemotherapy drugs used, the quantity of medication is given, and how long they are administered. Side effects also depends individual.The most common side effects of 5-FU:

* Malaise

* Diarrhea

mouth sores or mouth * Sore

* The decrease in blood counts

* Overall feeling of fatigue

The most common side effects of irinotecan:

* Increased sweating

* Increased production of saliva

* Watery eyes

* Pain or cramps, abdominal

Diarrhea

* Feeling sick

* The decrease in blood counts

* Overall feeling of fatigue

* Hair thinning or loss

* The most common side effects of oxaliplatin:

* Malaise

* Numbness or tingling in the extreme relations

* Numbness of lips

Source by ezinearticles.com