Eloxatin Now Available for Advanced Colorectal Cancer

Sanofi-Synthelabo announced it has begun distribution of the chemotherapy drug Eloxatin (oxaliplatin) for use by advanced colorectal cancer patients with no other treatment options.

The drug, used in combination with infusional 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and leucovorin (LV), is indicated for the treatment of patients with metastatic colon or rectal cancer whose disease has recurred or progressed during or within six months of completion of first-line therapy.

Eloxatin was recently approved in record time by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) after a review of only seven weeks (see earlier Colorectal Cancer Week story).

"The FDA approval of Eloxatin represents a significant treatment advance for people with metastatic colorectal cancer," said Dr. Mace Rothenberg, Ingram Associate Professor of Cancer Research at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center.

Other Sources: Sanofi-Synthelabo