Hot From ESMO – Screening general public for colorectal cancer

French researchers have begun the search for better treatment for colorectal cancer by undertaking a trial involving over 900 patients with colon cancer, comparing monthly with bimonthly treatment with the drugs 5-fluorouracil (5FU) and leucovorin (LV).

Results of the trial showed there was no significant difference in survival, however, ‘the combination of LV5FU2 is less toxic than other combinations of 5FU and leucovorin.’

One of the investigators, Dr Thierry Andre said, ‘Our study is a small piece of the puzzle’. He also suggested screening for families at risk where there has been a history of colorectal polyp of cancer. ‘If several members of the family have had colon and rectal cancer or polyps, they should be tested,’ he said.

(Source: ESMO)