In America, it is estimated that 1 in every 21 men and 1 in every 23 women will develop colorectal cancer in their life. It accounts for about 8% of all cancers and it is the second deadliest cancer in women and the third in men.
Colorectal cancer refers to any cancer that originates from the colon or the rectum, or precisely from the large intestines. It normally starts as polyps or growth on the inner lining of the intestines. These growths can either be benign, meaning non-cancerous, or malignant, thus cancerous. If they are malignant, they are able to metastasis or spread to other organs.
metastatic colorectal cancer treatment is a combination of drugs used for patients whose cancer has spread to other organs. has been approved by the FDA, but only for specific patients. These patients must have tumors that are KRAs wild-type, meaning they have KRA mutation-negative genes. Their tumors must also have a protein called epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR).
Epidermal growth factor receptors are found in normal cells, such as nails, skin, and hair follicles. They are also in cancerous cells in cases of colorectal, head, and neck cancer. is a main component of the metastatic colorectal cancer treatment. It works by blocking the EGFR activity, thus inhibiting the growth of the cancerous cells.
Use of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Treatment
treatment may be given in 3 different ways:
i) For first-time patients, it is given in combination with Folfiri.
ii) For patients whose disease had progressed after chemotherapy with Irinotecan, is given in combination with Irinotecan.
iii) It is given as a single drug for patients who had their disease progress after treatment with both Irinotecan and Oxaliplatin, as well as patients who are unable to tolerate Irinotecan.
A clinical study showed that when was used in treating colorectal cancer,
i) the disease took longer to progress.
ii) the patient survived longer.
iii) the patient’s tumor shrunk greatly.
Precautions When Using Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Treatment
Some users of has shown severe allergic reactions as well as possibilities of heart attacks. A patient also died in a clinical study, so it can only be taken by prescription. Discuss with your doctor to see if you need it as a treatment.
Before you start metastatic colorectal cancer treatment, you should tell your doctor if…
i) you are pregnant or intending to get pregnant; can harm your unborn baby. You should not get pregnant when receiving this treatment. In fact, you should avoid pregnancy until two months after the treatment.
ii) you are breastfeeding, as it may be passed through the milk and cause adverse effects to the infant.
iii) you have ever had a heart disease or condition.
iv) you have ever experienced difficulty breathing.
v) you are on any type of medication, whether prescription or over-the-counter.
Featured Image: depositphotos/ArturVerkhovetskiy