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Adjuvant Therapy for Patients with Colon Cancer
Untitled Document
Name of the Trial
Phase III Randomized Study of Adjuvant Chemotherapy Comprising Fluorouracil,
Leucovorin Calcium, and Oxaliplatin With Versus Without Bevacizumab in Patients
With Resected Stage II or III Adenocarcinoma of the Colon (NSABP-C-08). See
the protocol abstract.
Principal Investigator
Dr. Carmen Allegra, National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project.
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Dr. Carmen Allegra
Principal Investigator |
Why This Trial Is Important
Colon cancer is third most common cancer in men and women in the United States
and accounts for 10% of all cancer deaths. Surgery is the standard treatment
for colon cancer that has not spread (metastasized) to other areas of the body.
Often, surgery is followed by treatment with chemotherapy to help kill any remaining
cancer cells (called adjuvant chemotherapy).
Recent studies have shown that the effectiveness of chemotherapy for colon
cancer that has metastasized can be improved with the addition of a monoclonal
antibody called bevacizumab (Avastin®). Bevacizumab blocks the action of
a protein called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which can help tumors
establish a blood supply, so they can get oxygen and nutrients needed for growth.
With this study, researchers hope that patients undergoing adjuvant treatment
for colon cancer that has not metastasized will also benefit from the addition
of bevacizumab to chemotherapy.
"Bevacizumab inhibits the formation of blood vessels to tumors, thereby
depriving the tumor of nutrients, and may increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy"
said Dr. Allegra. "We hope that by adding bevacizumab to adjuvant chemotherapy,
we will be able to prolong disease-free
survival of people with colon cancer that can be surgically removed."
Contact Information
This clinical trial is no longer accepting new patients. To locate other
clinical trials for colon cancer, search the NCI
database of clinical trials or call the NCI's Cancer Information Service
at 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237). The call is toll free and completely confidential.
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