Oxaliplatin in Colorectal Cancer: Current Studies

ABSTRACT: One of the more promising chemotherapeutic agents for patients withmetastatic colorectal cancer is oxaliplatin (Eloxatin), a third-generationplatinum derivative with a unique mechanism of action. Preclinical studiescorroborated by results from early trials suggested that oxaliplatin could beparticularly advantageous when used in combination with fluorouracil(5-FU)/leucovorin. In addition, early studies of oxaliplatin as monotherapyshowed clear activity similar in magnitude to that observed with other activeagents. When administered as neoadjuvant therapy in patients with unresectableliver metastases, the responses were substantial enough for some patients toundergo potentially curative hepatic resection. These trials also demonstrated areasonable safety profile for oxaliplatin. In light of the accumulating data onthe use of oxaliplatin in advanced colorectal cancer, the North Central CancerTreatment Group (NCCTG) and other cooperative groups developed trials to furtherdefine the specific therapeutic roles and optimal regimens of oxaliplatincombined with 5-FU and leucovorin, as well as other agents. A number of studiesare underway in the United States, including the three-arm NCCTG N9741 trial inpatients with previously untreated metastatic colorectal cancer, the NCCTG N9841trial in patients who progressed on 5-FU/leucovorin, and the National SurgicalAdjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP) C-07 adjuvant trial for stage II andIII colorectal cancer. [ONCOLOGY14(Suppl 11):42-47, 2000]

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