COLORECTAL-CANCER - NEW PHARMACOLOGICAL STRATEGIES FOR PREVENTION ANDTREATMENT

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.