Role of oral chemotherapy in colorectal cancer

Despite the long clinical history of 5-FU in gastrointestinal cancer, the d evelopment of oral agents has been a productive endeavor, and oral fluoropy rimidine agents are likely to play an important role in the management of c olorectal cancer. Results of recent trials in advanced/metastatic colorecta l cancer have shown equivalence of response rates, time to disease progress ion, and median survival and reduced rates of neutropenia and stomatitis wi th oral capecitabine (Xeloda) or UFT/leucovorin compared with standard fluo rouracil (5-FU)/leucovorin regimens. Evaluation of these oral agents in adj uvant therapy, in combination chemotherapy, and in combination with radiati on therapy is ongoing.