Despite technological advances allowing for earlier detection of color
ectal cancer and more effective treatment options, approximately 57,00
0 people will die from colorectal cancer in 1993. Prospective studies
have shown positive correlations between high-fat, low-fiber diets and
colorectal adenomas and carcinomas. Dietary intervention appears to h
ave potential as a preventive measure; however, cultural and behaviora
l eating habits may prove difficult to overcome. Prostaglandin and orn
ithine decarboxylase inhibitors show promise as chemopreventive agents
. Leucovorin, levamisole, interferon, and N-(phosphonacetyl)-1-asparti
c acid (PALA) modulation of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) continues to be stud
ied for the treatment of metastatic disease. Adjuvant therapy represen
ts the area of greatest gain in the medical treatment of colon cancer.