Surgery + Chemotherapy for Colorectal Cancer
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This randomized phase II trial studies how well liver surgery and chemotherapy compared to chemotherapy alone work in treating patients with colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver (liver metastases) that can be removed by surgery and that has spread to the lungs (lung metastases) that cannot be removed by surgery. Liver surgery removes a portion of the liver affected by the tumor. Chemotherapy drugs work in different ways to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells, by stopping them from dividing, or by stopping them from spreading. Liver surgery and chemotherapy may work better than chemotherapy alone in treating patients with colorectal cancer which has spread to the liver and lungs.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, since patients previously treated with chemotherapy and biologic agents are eligible, it seems you may not need to stop those treatments.
Is the combination of surgery and chemotherapy for colorectal cancer safe?
The combination of surgery and chemotherapy for colorectal cancer is generally considered safe, but it can cause liver-related side effects. Some chemotherapy drugs may lead to liver damage, which can affect liver function and recovery after surgery. It's important for a team of healthcare professionals to carefully plan and manage treatment to minimize these risks.12345
How is the treatment of surgery combined with chemotherapy unique for colorectal cancer with liver metastases?
This treatment is unique because it combines surgery with chemotherapy to increase the chances of survival for patients with colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver. The chemotherapy can shrink tumors to make them operable, and new surgical techniques and targeted drugs improve the effectiveness of this approach.678910
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment combining surgery and chemotherapy for colorectal cancer with liver metastases?
Research shows that combining surgery with chemotherapy can improve survival rates for patients with colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver. Studies indicate that patients who receive both treatments tend to live longer compared to those who only undergo surgery or chemotherapy alone.611121314
Who Is on the Research Team?
Yun S Chun
Principal Investigator
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for colorectal cancer patients with liver metastases that can be surgically removed and lung metastases that cannot. Eligible participants may have had previous chemotherapy, have a limited number of small lung nodules, and must be able to undergo imaging tests. Those with additional disease sites, high bilirubin levels, low platelets, poor performance status or who are pregnant cannot join.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Patients undergo hepatectomy and receive chemotherapy, or receive chemotherapy alone. Lung metastasectomy may be performed if lung tumors become resectable.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for survival, adverse events, and metastases development every 3-6 months
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Chemotherapy
- Liver Surgery
- Metastasectomy
Chemotherapy is already approved in European Union, United States, Canada, Japan, China, Switzerland for the following indications:
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Lead Sponsor
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Collaborator