Which chemotherapy drugs are most commonly used in colorectal cancer?

The most commonly used chemotherapy drugs in colorectal cancer are 5-fluorouracil (5FU) and oxaliplatin. 5FU has been a cornerstone in the treatment of colorectal cancer for many years, functioning as an antimetabolite that interferes with DNA synthesis, which is crucial for cancer cell proliferation. It is typically used in various regimens, often in combination with leucovorin, to enhance its efficacy.

Oxaliplatin, a platinum-based drug, is used specifically in conjunction with 5FU in the FOLFOX regimen, which has been shown to improve outcomes in patients with advanced stages of colorectal cancer. The partnership of these two drugs plays a significant role in both neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapy for treating colorectal malignancies, contributing to improved survival rates and better management of the disease.

Other options listed, such as cisplatin and carboplatin, are more commonly associated with other types of cancers and are not the first-line choices for colorectal cancer. Doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide are more often used in breast cancer treatment. Lastly, while gemcitabine and capecitabine (an oral form of 5FU) are utilized in various cancer treatments