A panel discussion of controversies and challenges in the adjuvant treatment of colon cancer

• Published in: Clinical & translational oncology Vol. 7; no. 1; pp. 3 - 11
• Main Authors: Díaz-Rubio García, Eduardo, Abad Esteve, Albert, Antón Torres, Antonio, Aranda Aguilar, Enrique, Benavides Orgaz, Manuel, Carrato Mena, Alfredo, Cervantes Ruipérez, Andrés, Feliu Batle, Jaime, García Alfonso, Pilar, García Foncillas, Jesús, Grávalos Castro, Cristina, Navarro García, Matilde, Rivera Herrero, Fernando, Tabernero Caturla, José María
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Italy 01.01.2005
• Subjects: Age Factors; Aged; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; Clinical Trials as Topic; Colonic Neoplasms - therapy; Disease-Free Survival; Humans
• ISSN: 1699-048X; 1699-3055
• DOI: 10.1007/BF02710019

Current issues of adjuvant therapy for colon cancer concern the introduction of drugs other than fluorouracil-5/leucovorin (5-FU/LV), the benefits for stage II patients, the use of new primary endpoints and the influence of age on treatment benefits. These issues were addressed in a panel discussion and the conclusions were the following: FOLFOX4 is the first regimen that shows superiority over 5-FU/LV. The use of 3-year disease-free survival as primary endpoint could encourage the quicker adoption of improved therapeutic strategies into clinical practice. Available data suggest that there are some benefits for stage II patients, and the decision needs to be individualised for each patient. Further, therapeutic decisions based solely on the patient's age are inappropriate, and geriatric assessment tools will help in making this decision. This information would improve patient and physician understanding of the recent data regarding the potential benefits of adjuvant therapy.