Progresses in the medical treatment of advanced colorectal cancer

Sultan-Amar V, Fabre-Guillevin E, Piedbois P

Abstract

In the last 2 decades, major progresses have been made in the management of patients with advanced colorectal cancer (ACC). The modulation of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) by folinic acid (LV), followed by the introduction of irinotecan and oxaliplatin have significantly improved the outcome of these patients. New strategies consist of oral fluoropyrimidines, and of targeted agents to inhibit cancer signalisation.

Key words: 	advanced colorectal cancer, 5-fluorouracil, oxaliplatin, irinotecan, targeted therapy, cetuximab, bevacizumab.