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Adjuvant chemotherapy for stage II colorectal cancer: the time is right!

Nature Clinical Practice Oncology volume 2, pages 364–369 (2005)Cite this article

Abstract

Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in much of the developed world. Cancer-related mortality is slowly decreasing as a result of better detection and improved surgery. Adjuvant chemotherapy is now considered the standard treatment for stage III colon cancer, and has evolved recently with the introduction of infusional, combination chemotherapy. Adjuvant therapy for stage II colon cancer has been more controversial. Recent trial data suggest, however, that there is a legitimate case for discussing the advantages and limitations with individual patients.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. DH Clinician Scientist at the Cancer Research UK Medical Oncology Unit in the Churchill Hospital, Headington, Oxford, UK

    Rachel Midgley

  2. Clinical Pharmacology and Cancer Therapeutics,

    David J Kerr

  3. National Translational Research Network in the Department of Clinical Pharmacology at the Radcliffe Infirmary, Oxford, UK

    David J Kerr

Authors
  1. Rachel Midgley
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  2. David J Kerr
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Correspondence to David J Kerr.

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The authors declare no competing financial interests.

Glossary

IMPACT

International Multicentre Pooled Analysis of Colon Cancer Trials

QUASAR

QUick And Simple And Reliable

X-ACT

Xeloda in Adjuvant Colon Cancer Therapy

MOSAIC

Multicenter International Study of Oxaliplatin/5-Fluorouracil/Leucovorin in the Adjuvant Treatment of Colon Cancer

PETACC

Pan-European Trials in Adjuvant Colon Cancer

NSABP

National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project

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Midgley, R., Kerr, D. Adjuvant chemotherapy for stage II colorectal cancer: the time is right!. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2, 364–369 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1038/ncponc0228

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