Colorectal cancer (advanced) - irinotecan, oxaliplatin and raltitrexed (review)

Summary

Irinotecan and oxaliplatin are recommended as possible treatments for people with advanced colorectal cancer, if they are used in these ways:

• irinotecan is given with 5-fluorouracil and folinic acid to people who have not had chemotherapy for advanced colorectal cancer before, or given on its own to people who have already had chemotherapy 
• oxaliplatin is always given with 5-fluorouracil and folinic acid.

Raltitrexed is not recommended for people with advanced colorectal cancer, unless they are taking part in a clinical trial.

This guidance replaces TA33 Colorectal cancer (advanced) – irinotecan, oxaliplatin and raltitrexed.

Documents

For healthcare professionals

• TA93 Colorectal cancer (advanced) - irinotecan, oxaliplatin and raltitrexed (review): Quick reference guide
• TA93 Colorectal cancer (advanced) - irinotecan, oxaliplatin and raltitrexed (review): Guidance (MS Word format)
• TA93 Colorectal cancer (advanced) - irinotecan, oxaliplatin and raltitrexed (review): Guidance

For patients, carers and the public

• TA93 Colorectal cancer (advanced) - irinotecan, oxaliplatin and raltitrexed (review): Information for the public

Background information

• TA93 Colorectal cancer (advanced) - irinotecan, oxaliplatin and raltitrexed (review): Review Proposal - October 2008
• 2005/018 NICE extends its recommendations for the use of drugs for the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer

Implementing this guidance

Any further information NICE has produced to help the NHS implement this guideline locally is linked to below:

• None found