... WhatsApp

New Chemotherapy Schedule May Be Safer for Colorectal Cancer Patients

You are here >> Home > Latest Updates > Colon Cancer Updates > New Chemotherapy…

New-Chemotherapy-Schedule-May-Be-Safer-for-Colorectal-Cancer-Patients.webp

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. After surgery, many patients receive chemotherapy to lower the chance of the cancer coming back. A common treatment is called CAPOX, which combines two drugs: capecitabine (an oral medicine) and oxaliplatin (given by infusion). Traditionally, this treatment is given every three weeks.

This new study tested whether giving CAPOX every two weeks instead of every three weeks would be safer while still being effective. A total of 160 patients with high-risk stage II or stage III colorectal cancer took part in the trial. Half received the standard three-week schedule, and half received the new two-week schedule.

The results showed that patients on the two-week schedule had fewer side effects. Fewer patients had problems with low platelets (33% compared to 49%) or low white blood cells (36% compared to 51%). These side effects are important because they increase the risk of infections and can interrupt treatment.

When doctors looked at survival, both schedules worked equally well. After three years, about 85% of patients on the two-week schedule and 80% on the three-week schedule had no return of cancer. This means that the two-week option did not reduce effectiveness.

Another important finding was that fewer patients on the two-week schedule had to stop treatment early compared to the three-week group. This shows that the new approach may help patients complete their planned therapy.

For patients, this study offers hope for a safer chemotherapy option with fewer side effects, while still giving the same protection against cancer returning after surgery.

5/5 - (1 reviews)

Exclusive Health Tips and Updates

Dr Harsh Shah - GI & HPB Oncosurgeon in Ahmeadbad
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.