A study conducted in Italy proved that metastatic colorectal cancer is not equal to death as it was believed 15 years ago.
The research found that with therapy, that includes 3 drugs used in chemotherapy and biological treatment, patients managed to live more than 2 years, on average.
It is possible to control the tumor. We also found that the percentage of tumor reduction was higher and the toxicity experienced by the patient was moderate,
declared Photius Loupakis, lead researcher of Tribe study.
The therapy combined chemotherapy compounds such as fluorouracil, leucovorin, oxaliplatin and irinotecan (called Folfoxiri) with a biological treatment called bevacizumad.
From these findings, a new investigation was initiated to analyze the scope in a second-line treatment.
Loupakis explained that they are now investigating additional line treatments in order to control tumors and to improve patients’ lives.
Colorectal cancer is located at the beginning of the large intestine or rectum, which is the end of the colon. There is no a single cause for colon cancer and it usually starts with benign polyps, which slowly turn into cancer.
Part of the problem is its early diagnosis because severe symptoms, such as blood in the stools, are not seen at the beginning, but some symptoms are:
-Diarrhea, constipation or other changes in bowel habits.
-Pencil thin stool.
-Weight loss without a known reason.
Loupakis visited Costa Rica last week and shared his research with national oncologists.