Print VersionFrench (Français)
This page gives general information about this cancer treatment.
You Will Learn:
- who to contact for help
- what the treatment is
- how it is given
- what to expect while on treatment
This information was created by Cancer Care Ontario together with patients and their caregivers who, like you, have gone through cancer treatment. It is meant to help support you through your cancer treatment and answer some of your questions.
This information does not replace the advice of your healthcare team. Always talk to your healthcare team about your treatment.
What Is This Treatment?
mFOLFOX6is the code name of your colon or rectal cancer treatment regimen. mFOLFOX6 may also be used to treat other types of cancer. Most people call this regimen FOLFOX. A regimen is a combination of medications to treat cancer.
This regimen name is made up of 1 or more letters from the names of the 3medications in your treatment.
Here are the names of the medications in this regimen:
FOL= FOLinic acid (also called leucovorin)
F = Fluorouracil (also called 5-FU)
OX= OXaliplatin
Treatment is divided into cycles. Each cycle is 2 weeks long. Your healthcare team will tell you how many cycles you need.
Here is a picture of the schedule for FOLFOX treatment:
During each 2 weekcycle, you will have FOLFOX treatment at the hospital on day 1. Your nurse will also start an IV of fluorouracil that will continue at home for a total of 46 hours. See below for more information.
Each cycle looks like this:
| Day 1 Treatment Day: Go to the hospital for FOLFOX treatment. Fluorouracil infusion will continue for 46 hours. | 2 Fluorouracil infusion continues at home. | 3 Fluorouracil infusion continues at home. A nurse will disconnect it. | 4 No FOLFOX Treatment | 5 No FOLFOX Treatment | 6 No FOLFOX Treatment | 7 No FOLFOX Treatment |
| 8 No FOLFOX Treatment | 9 No FOLFOX Treatment | 10 No FOLFOX Treatment | 11 No FOLFOX Treatment | 12 No FOLFOX Treatment | 13 No FOLFOX Treatment | 14 No FOLFOX Treatment |
Remember To:
- Tellyour healthcare team about all of the other medications you are taking.
- Keep taking other medications that have been prescribed for you, unless you have been told not to by your healthcare team.
How Is This Treatment Given?
The medications in your treatment are given through an IV (injected into a vein) at the hospital on day 1 of your treatment. You will also be given a device to take home that will continue to give you fluorouracil at home. The device looks like a bottle. It slowly gives you fluorouracil over 46 hours.
Your healthcare team may suggest that you get a PICC line or a Port-a-Cath.
- These are special IV’s used to give medicines and fluids into larger veins.
- A PICC or Port-a-Cath can be safer for some medications that can cause reactions when given through an IV in your hand.
- If you have a PICC or Port-a-Cath you do not need an IV (needle) put into your arm every time you come for treatment.
- Talk to your healthcare team about the benefits and risks of a PICC or a Port-a-Cath to see if one of these options is right for you.
You will have a blood test before each treatment cycle to make sure it is safe for you to get treatment.
What Other Medications Are Given With This Treatment?
To prevent nausea and vomiting
You will be given medications to help prevent nausea (feeling like throwing up) and vomiting (throwing up) before they start.
- These are called anti-nausea medicationsand include medications such as ondansetron (Zofran®), granisetron (Kytril®), dexamethasone or others.
What Other Important Things Should I Know About This Treatment?
This treatment causes cold sensitivity.
One of the medications in your treatment (oxaliplatin) can cause an unusual side effect where different parts of your body may become very sensitive to cold. This can cause discomfort from things such as cold food, cold drinks and cool or cold temperatures.
How does the cold sensitivity feel?
You may feel:
- Numbness or tingling in your fingers and toes. Sometimes it can be painful and feel like burning, which may be severe.
- Tightness in your throat or jaw
- Like it is hard to swallow
- Like it is hard to breathe, or that you have pressure on your chest.
Tightness in your throat will usually go away after a few hours. If it lasts longer, or if you have trouble breathing, contact your healthcare team or get emergency help right away.
How can I help prevent sensitivity to cold?
- Avoid the cold as much as possible.
- If you must go outside in the cold, protect your face and mouth with a scarf or high-neck sweater, wear mittens and warm socks.
- Only eat and drink things that are room temperature or warmer. Do not drink cold drinks or put ice cubes in anything you drink. Do not eat cold foods, such as ice cream.
- Avoid direct exposure to air conditioning, such as in your car.
- Take shallow breaths when you are exposed to cold air (such as from a freezer or when you are outside in winter).
- Wear gloves if you need to touch cold objects, such as items in the freezer.
- Do not use an ice pack on any part of your body.
DO This While on Treatment
- DO tell your healthcare team about any other medical conditions that you have such as problems with nerves in hands and feet (numbness or tingling), heart, liver, lung or kidney problems, or any allergies.
- DO check with your healthcare team before getting any vaccinations, surgery, dental work or other medical procedures.
- DO protect your skin from the sun. Wear a long sleeved shirt, long pants and a hat. Apply sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection and an SPF of at least 30. Your skin may be more sensitive to the sun and may burn or develop a rash more easily.
- DO talk to your healthcare team about your risk of getting other cancers and heart problems after this treatment.
DO NOT Do This While on Treatment
- DO NOT take any other medications, such as vitamins, over-the-counter (non-prescription) drugs, or natural health products, without checking with your healthcare team.
- DO NOT start any complementary or alternative therapies, such as acupuncture or homeopathic medications, without checking with your healthcare team.
- DO NOT smoke or drink alcohol while on treatment without talking to your healthcare team first. Smoking and drinking can make side effects worse and make your treatment not work as well.
Will This Treatment Interact with Other Medications or Natural Health Products?
Yes, the medications in this regimen can interact with other medications, vitamins, foods and natural health products. Interactions can make the treatment not work as well or cause severe side effects.
Tell your healthcare team about all of your:
- prescription and over-the-counter (non-prescription) medications
- natural health products such as vitamins, herbal teas, homeopathic medicines and other supplements
Check with your healthcare team before starting or stopping any of them.
If you are taking seizure medications (such as phenytoin), your healthcare team will monitor your blood levels closely and may change your dose.
If you are taking a blood thinner (such as warfarin), your healthcare team may need extra blood tests and may change your dose.
Talk to your healthcare team BEFORE taking or using these:
- Anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (Advil® or Motrin®), naproxen (Aleve®) or Aspirin®
- Over-the-counter products such as dimenhydrinate (Gravol®)
- Natural health products such as St. John’s Wort
- Supplements such as vitamin C
- Alcoholic drinks
- Tobacco
- All other drugs, such as marijuana (medical or recreational)
What Should I Do If I Feel Unwell, Have Pain, a Headache or a Fever?
- Always check your temperature to see if you have a fever before taking any medications for fever or pain (such as acetaminophen [Tylenol] or ibuprofen [Advil]).
- Fever can be a sign of infection that may need treatment right away.
- If you take these medications before you check for fever, they may lower your temperature and you may not know you have an infection.
How to check for fever
Keep a digital (electronic) thermometer at home and take your temperature if you feel hot or unwell (for example, chills, headache, mild pain).
- You have a fever if your temperature taken in your mouth (oral temperature) is:
- 38.3°C (100.9°F) or higher at any time
OR
- 38.0°C (100.4°F) or higher for at least 1 hour.
If you do have a fever
- Try tocontact your healthcare team. If you are not able to talk to them for advice, you MUST get emergency medical help right away.
- Download theFeverpamphlet for more information.
If you do not have a fever but have mild symptoms such as headache or mild pain:
Ask your healthcare team about the right medication for you.Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) is a safe choice for most people.
Talk to your healthcare team before you start taking Ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®), naproxen (Aleve®) or ASA (Aspirin®), as they may increase your chance of bleeding or interact with your cancer treatment.
Talk to your healthcare team if you already take low dose aspirin for a medical condition (such as a heart problem). It may still be safe to take.
How Will This Treatment Affect Sex, Pregnancy and Breast Feeding?
Talk to your healthcare team about:
- How this treatment may affect your sexual health.
- How this treatment may affect your ability to have a baby, if this applies to you.
This treatment may harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare team if you or your partner are pregnant, become pregnant during treatment, or are breastfeeding.
- If there is any chance of pregnancy happening, you and your partner together must use 2 effective forms of birth control at the same time until 6 months after your last treatment dose. Talk to your healthcare team about which birth control options are best for you.
- Do not breastfeed while on this treatment.
What Are the Side Effects of This Treatment?
The following table lists side effects that you may have when getting FOLFOX treatment. The table is set up to list the most common side effects first and the least common last. It is unlikely that you will have all of the side effects listed, and you may have some that are not listed.
Read over the side effect table so that you know what to look for and when to get help. Keep the link to this page during your treatment so that you can refer to it if you need to.
Side effect and what to do | When to contact healthcare team |
|---|---|
Neuropathy (tingling, numb toes or fingers)(May be severe) What to look for:
What to do:
For some people, symptoms of neuropathy may continue long after treatment ends. If you continue to have bothersome symptoms, talk to your healthcare team for advice. | Talk to your healthcare team, especially if you have trouble doing tasks like doing up buttons, writing or moving, or if you have severe pain or numbness. |
Low neutrophils (white blood cells) in the blood (neutropenia)When neutrophils are low, you are at risk of getting an infection more easily. Download theNeutropenia (Low white blood cell count)pamphlet for more information. What to look for:
You have a fever if your temperature taken in your mouth (oral temperature) is:
OR
What to do:If your healthcare team has told you that you have low neutrophils:
If you have a fever: If you have a fever, try to contact your healthcare team. If you are unable to talk to the team for advice, you must get emergency medical help right away. | If you have a fever, try to contact your healthcare team. If you are unable to talk to the team for advice, you MUST get emergency medical help right away. |
Low platelets in the bloodWhen your platelets are low you are at risk for bleeding and bruising. Download theLow Platelet Countpamphlet for more information. What to look for:
What to do:If your healthcare team has told you that you have low platelets:
If you have signs of bleeding:
If you have bleeding that does not stop or is severe (very heavy), you must get emergency medical help right away. | Talk to your healthcare team if you have any signs of bleeding. If you have bleeding that doesn’t stop or is severe (very heavy), you MUST get emergency medical help right away. |
Nausea and vomitingWhat to look for:
What to do:To help prevent nausea:
If you have nausea or vomiting:
| Talk to your healthcare team if nausea lasts more than 48 hours, or if vomiting lasts more than 24 hours or is severe. |
Liver problemsYour healthcare team may check your liver function with a blood test. The liver changes do not usually cause any symptoms. What to look for:
What to do:If you have any symptoms of liver problems, get emergency medical help right away. | Get emergency medical help right away. |
Diarrhea(May be severe) What to look for:
What to do:If you have diarrhea:
Download theDiarrheapamphlet for more information. | Talk to your healthcare team if no improvement after 24 hours of taking diarrhea medication or if severe (more than 7 times in 1 day). |
Side effect and what to do | When to contact healthcare team |
|---|---|
FatigueWhat to look for:
What to do:
Download theFatigue pamphlet for more information. | Talk to your healthcare team if it does not improve or if it is severe. |
Mouth sores(May be severe) What to look for:
What to do:To help prevent mouth sores:
If you have mouth sores:
Download theMouth Carepamphletfor more information. | Talk to your healthcare team as soon as you notice mouth or lip sores, or if it hurts to eat, drink or swallow. |
Sensation that you are not breathing properly
What to look for:
What to do:
Problems with breathing and swallowing can be unpleasant. They should only last a few minutes. If they do not go away quickly or if you also feel chest pain, speak with your healthcare team as soon as possible. If severe, get emergency medical help right away. | Contact your healthcare team if it does not improve. Get emergency medical help if it is severe. |
Hair thinning or loss(Generally mild) What to look for:
What to do:
| Talk to your healthcare team if this bothers you. |
Side effect and what to do | When to contact healthcare team |
|---|---|
Rash; dry, itchy skinWhat to look for:
What to do:To prevent and treat dry skin:
Rash may be severe in some rare cases and cause your skin to blister or peel. If this happens, get emergency medical help right away. | Talk to your healthcare team if it does not improve or if it is severe. |
Low Appetite, weight lossWhat to look for:
What to do:
Download theLoss of Appetite pamphlet for more information. | Talk to your healthcare team if it does not improve or if it is severe. |
Pains or cramps in the bellyWhat to look for:
What to do:If the pain is severe, gets worse or doesn’t go away, talk to your healthcare team about other possible causes. | Talk to your healthcare team if it does not improve or if it is severe. |
ConstipationWhat to look for:
What to do:To help prevent constipation:
To help treat constipation:
Download theConstipationpamphlet for more information. | Talk to your healthcare team if it does not improve or if it is severe. |
Mild swellingWhat to look for:
What to do:To help prevent swelling:
If you have swelling:
| Talk to your healthcare team if it does not improve or if it is severe. |
Mild joint, muscle pain or crampsWhat to look for:
What to do:
Download thePainpamphlet for more information. | Talk to your healthcare team if it does not improve or if it is severe. |
Rash on your hands and feet (hand-foot syndrome)What to look for:
What to do:
Download theHand-foot syndromepamphlet for more information. | Talk to your healthcare team if it does not improve or if it is severe. |
Taste changesWhat to look for:
What to do:
| Talk to your healthcare team if it does not improve or if it is severe. |
Allergic reactionWhat to look for:
What to do:
| Get emergency medical help right away for severe symptoms. |
Other Rare but Serious Side Effects Are Possible with This Treatment.
If you have any of the following, talk to your cancer healthcare team or get emergency medical help right away:
- Pain and swelling or hardening of a vein in your arm or leg
- Any chest pain, new coughing or coughing up blood
- Sudden confusion, seizures, trouble speaking, difficulty moving your arms or legs or weakness on 1 side of your body
- Irregular heartbeat, fainting (passing out)
- Signs of kidney problems such as new low back pain, passing little or no urine, or recent unusual weight gain
- Redness/rash in areas where you’ve previously received radiation
- Any severe belly pain
- Eyes or skin that look yellow
- Severe muscle pain or weakness and dark-coloured pee
- Ringing in the ears or changes to your hearing
- Dry eyes, redness, irritation, pain, tearing, sensitivity to light or blurred vision.
For more information on how to manage your symptoms, ask your healthcare provider or go to .
The information set out in the medication information sheets, regimen information sheets, and symptom management information (for patients) contained in the Drug Formulary (the "Formulary") is intended to be used by health professionals and patients for informational purposes only. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or side effects of a certain drug, nor should it be used to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for a given condition.
A patient should always consult a healthcare provider if he/she has any questions regarding the information set out in the Formulary. The information in the Formulary is not intended to act as or replace medical advice and should not be relied upon in any such regard. All uses of the Formulary are subject to clinical judgment and actual prescribing patterns may not follow the information provided in the Formulary.
FAQs
What is the difference between FOLFOX and mFOLFOX6? ›
What Is This Treatment? mFOLFOX6 is the code name of your colon or rectal cancer treatment regimen. mFOLFOX6 may also be used to treat other types of cancer. Most people call this regimen FOLFOX.
How do you know if FOLFOX is working? ›The first sign that a treatment is working is often when your symptoms reduce in severity. Your doctor may order blood tests and scans at various time points throughout your treatment to determine how well it is working.
How many rounds of FOLFOX do I need for colon cancer? ›Conclusion: Cycle number of adjuvant FOLFOX is a significant prognostic factor for stage III colon cancer patients. At least 8 cycles are needed to have an overall survival benefit, and 7 to disease-free survival.
What are the side effects of modified FOLFOX 6? ›- Hair loss.
- Hand-foot syndrome (palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia) redness, pain or peeling of palms and soles.
- Rash, increased risk of sunburn, itching.
- Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, constipation, loss of appetite.
- Difficulty swallowing.
- Sores in mouth.
Can Fluorouracil cream make you tired? Some patients using Fluorouracil cream for treating actinic keratosis complain of fatigue and lethargy that lasts for a few days. Some patients also complain of irritability. However, these side effects clear within days of discontinuing the treatment once the skin begins to heal.
Do FOLFOX side effects get worse? ›Many people experience cold sensitivity with their first infusion. It can come on very quickly, within hours of receiving oxaliplatin. Cold sensitivity will most likely get better after a few days, but it can build up over time, and get worse after each infusion.
What is the success rate of FOLFOX? ›However, the effects of FOLFOX were generally short-lived. Another 2020 study compared the effectiveness of 3 months to 6 months of adjuvant chemotherapy using FOLFOX. The researchers found that in the 3-month group, the 5-year overall survival rate was 82.6%, while in the 6-month group, it was 83.8%.
How sick does FOLFOX make you? ›FOLFOX is a regimen that's started at an infusion center, but you'll be sent home with a medication pump to finish the treatment. Side effects can vary, with nausea, fatigue, numbness, and tingling being common. Be sure to discuss any concerns and questions with your healthcare provider before starting FOLFOX.
Is FOLFOX well tolerated? ›The modified FOLFOX-6 regimen is effective and well tolerated as a first-line chemotherapy regimen for patients with advanced gastric cancer.
How effective is FOLFOX for Stage 4 colon cancer? ›Overall patients treated with the FOLFOXIRI "program" survived 19.2 months without cancer progression compared to 16.4 months for those treated with FOLFOX followed by FOLFIRI. Overall survival was improved from 23 to 28 months on average.
Can you go into remission with Stage 4 colorectal cancer? ›
Abstract. Background: Stage IV colorectal cancer is usually an incurable disease. However, patients with resectable metastases have 5-year disease-free survival rates of up to 30%. Even with primarily irresectable disease, cure can be achieved in patients who become operable after neoadjuvant treatment.
Is chemo Worth It For Stage 4 colon cancer? ›For others, chemotherapy is the most appropriate option. Chemotherapy does not cure metastatic colorectal cancer, but it can improve symptoms and prolong life. Sometimes both chemotherapy and surgery are recommended. This article will discuss management of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.
Can you work while on FOLFOX? ›Myth: You will not be able to work while on chemo. Fact: Most people work full-time on FOLFOX or FOLFIRI, two common chemo drugs. In fact, many find going to work helps by creating a feeling of normalcy and keeping patients busy and their minds off their cancer. The key to this is proper management of side effects.
How long can you stay on FOLFOX? ›You have treatment for around 24 weeks. Side effects can vary as to how often and how severe they are from person to person. Some side effects are more serious than others – contact your advice line if you have severe side effects, if they aren't getting better or are getting worse.
Do you lose your hair with FOLFOX chemotherapy? ›Your hair may get thinner. But you are unlikely to lose all the hair from your head. Hair loss usually starts after your first or second treatment. It is almost always temporary, and your hair will usually grow back after treatment finishes.
Is fluorouracil worth it? ›Fluorouracil topical has an average rating of 7.6 out of 10 from a total of 39 reviews for the treatment of Skin Cancer. 69% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 15% reported a negative experience.
How do I soothe my skin after fluorouracil treatment? ›The day after your last Efudex application, begin moisturizing all treated areas with either Vaseline or Aquaphor Healing Ointment (over the counter). Apply frequently every day to keep skin soft. The treated area can be pink for several months and is more susceptible to getting sun burned.
What time of day should I apply fluorouracil? ›Use your fingertip or a cotton bud to apply a thin layer of cream to the affected area only. Wash your hands thoroughly after applying fluorouracil cream, even if you have used gloves. If you are asked by your doctor to apply fluorouracil cream once a day, you should apply it in the morning.
Is the first week after chemo the worst? ›For most people the side effects were worst in the first few days after treatment, then they gradually felt better until the next treatment. Some said the effects were worse with each successive treatment. Most side effects don't persist and disappear within a few weeks after the end of treatment.
How do you feel on FOLFOX? ›What are the side effects of FOLFOX that I may have? Fatigue is the most common side effect reported by our patients. Patients usually say that they are at their best during the first 3 days after chemo. After that, you may have a loss of energy and experience a general feeling of being unwell.
When are you the sickest after chemo? ›
Acute nausea and vomiting happens within a few minutes to a few hours after you get chemo. It is usually worst during the first 4 to 6 hours after treatment and goes away within 24 hours. Delayed nausea and vomiting usually does not start until 24 hours or more after you get chemo. It can last for several days.
What is the average cost of FOLFOX chemotherapy? ›The mean monthly cost of the most common first-line chemotherapy (FOLFOX in the United States and FOLFIRI plus bevacizumab in Canada) was $11,814 and $8992, respectively (P = . 07). The mean lifetime cost of chemotherapy per month in the US cohort was $7883 versus $4830 in the Canadian cohort (P <. 01).
What is the life expectancy after chemotherapy? ›During the 3 decades, the proportion of survivors treated with chemotherapy alone increased from 18% in 1970-1979 to 54% in 1990-1999, and the life expectancy gap in this chemotherapy-alone group decreased from 11.0 years (95% UI, 9.0-13.1 years) to 6.0 years (95% UI, 4.5-7.6 years).
Is FOLFOX chemotherapy palliative? ›FOLFOX is considered a standard palliative treatment for late-stage colon cancer that's not considered treatable. Palliative treatment aims to prolong life and improve overall well-being.
Does each round of chemo make you sicker? ›Don't plan your chemo response until you've gone through your first infusion. The effects of chemo are cumulative. They get worse with each cycle.
Does fatigue get worse with each chemo treatment? ›Treatment may worsen the feelings of fatigue. Different cancer treatments can affect a person's energy levels. Some chemotherapy types can stop the bone marrow from creating new red blood cells, which results in anemia. Anemia can affect a person's energy level.
How long does nausea last after FOLFOX? ›Nausea and vomiting are common with FOLFOX treatment. It is generally the worst for the first 12 to 48 hours after treatment. It often gets better in 3 to7 days.
What happens if you can't tolerate chemo? ›You have a bad reaction.
Some chemo can cause very low levels of blood cells and raise your chance of having an infection. You could also have an allergic reaction to a specific drug. In these cases, your doctor might suggest spacing out your sessions or trying a different medication.
Hand/foot numbness/tingling appeared to be the longest lasting side-effects for those treated with oxaliplatin. The odds of hand numbness/tingling were significantly greater for the FLOX group during therapy and, while no longer significant at 18 months, were significantly greater at the long-term endpoint.
Does FOLFOX cause pain? ›In 100 people receiving FOLFOX (Leucovorin, 5-Fluorouracil, Oxaliplatin), from 4 to 20 may have: Chest pain. Abnormal heartbeat which may cause fainting.
Can you live a long life after stage 4 colon cancer? ›
Stage IV colon cancer has a relative 5-year survival rate of about 14%. This means that about 14% of people with stage IV colon cancer are likely to still be alive 5 years after they are diagnosed. But you're not a number. No one, including your doctor, can tell you exactly how long you'll live.
How long can you live with Stage 4 colon cancer spread to the liver? ›According to the NIH, about 20 to 30% of patients with stage 4 colorectal cancer have cancer confined to the liver. Cancer in these cases can be treated with surgery. However, stage IV colorectal cancer patients who receive no treatment have a median survival of five to 20 months.
How long can you live with Stage 4 colon cancer with chemo? ›Metastases can occur in any organ. Treatment of stage IV colon cancer is mostly palliative and its median survival is reported to be approximately 9 months with best supportive care.
What causes death in colon cancer patients? ›If your loved one is dying from colon cancer, they most likely have diffuse metastases . That means their cancer has spread from the colon to other organs and lymph nodes. Metastatic cancer often causes pain in the location where cancer has spread.
What is the best diet for colon cancer survivors? ›WCRF recommends a diet high in fruit and vegetables and dietary fibre, and low in high-calorie foods (fast foods), red & processed meat, and sugary drinks and alcohol.
Are there any Stage 4 cancer survivors? ›However, remember that although stage 4 cancer can't be cured, it isn't necessarily terminal—in other words, it doesn't necessarily mean that the end of life is near. People with stage 4 cancer often live many years after diagnosis, which is why it's more accurate to describe it as "advanced" or "late-stage."
Are metastatic cancers rarely fatal? ›In most cases, metastatic cancer is not curable. However, treatment can slow growth and ease many of the associated symptoms. It's possible to live for several years with some types of cancer, even after it has metastasized. Some types of metastatic cancer are potentially curable, including melanoma and colon cancer.
What is the 10 year survival rate for colon cancer? ›Overall, nearly 6 in 10 people diagnosed with bowel cancer today are predicted to survive their disease for at least ten years. Survival is a weighted average derived from data for colon (C18) and rectum cancer (C19-C20, C21.
Is Stage 4 colon cancer always terminal? ›Stage 4 colon cancer is the most serious and highest stage. The 5-year survival rate for stage 4 colon cancer is just under 15%. This means that about 15% of people with a diagnosis of stage 4 colon cancer will be alive in 5 years.
What should you not say to a chemo patient? ›- “Really you have cancer? ...
- "Just live in the moment."
- “I read about this new diet that cures cancer!”
- “I know you will get better!”
- “I know what you're going through. ...
- “I can't stop worrying about you.” Please don't add another burden to my already heavy heart!
Can you nap during chemo? ›
The drugs used for chemotherapy can cause you to feel tired or fatigued. So you may take naps or sleep during the day, which can lead to difficulty falling or staying asleep at night.
Does FOLFOX shrink tumors? ›FOLFOX chemo is given to shrink tumors and help decrease symptoms for a colon cancer patient. If the disease is not metastatic, it is commonly given with the goal of cure. If the disease is advanced colorectal cancer, or metastatic, FOLFOX is not commonly given with the goal of cure but rather to prolong survival.
Does FOLFOX get worse? ›Patients usually say that they are at their best during the first 3 days after chemo. After that, you may have a loss of energy and experience a general feeling of being unwell. This feeling of being unwell usually last for 4 to 7 days after treatment, and can continue to worsen after each cycle of treatment.
What is the success rate of FOLFOX chemotherapy? ›Another 2020 study compared the effectiveness of 3 months to 6 months of adjuvant chemotherapy using FOLFOX. The researchers found that in the 3-month group, the 5-year overall survival rate was 82.6%, while in the 6-month group, it was 83.8%.
What is first bite chemo? ›This jaw pain typically occurs within hours to days after the first dose, resolves over a few days, and does not recur with subsequent doses. It is characterized as an ache or throb that can be excruciating, and it typically bilateral.
What is FOLFOX 6 chemotherapy? ›An abbreviation for a combination chemotherapy regimen that is used to treat colorectal cancer. It includes the drugs leucovorin calcium (folinic acid), fluorouracil, and oxaliplatin. There are several different FOLFOX regimens that differ in the doses and ways in which the three drugs are given. Also called FOLFOX-6.
What is modified FOLFOX 6? ›An abbreviation for a combination chemotherapy regimen that is used to treat colorectal cancer. It includes the drugs leucovorin calcium (folinic acid), fluorouracil, and oxaliplatin.
What is another name for FOLFOX? ›FOLFOX is a combination of chemotherapy drugs used to treat bowel cancer. It is also known as Oxaliplatin de Gramont or OxMdG, which means modified Oxaliplatin de Gramont.
Is FOLFOX the same as 5FU? ›The drugs used in FOLFOX
In this information, we call fluorouracil by its more common name, 5FU.
Each cycle of FOLFOX is 2 weeks long, and an individual may receive up to 12 cycles.
Does FOLFOX chemo make you tired? ›
What are the side effects of FOLFOX that I may have? Fatigue is the most common side effect reported by our patients. Patients usually say that they are at their best during the first 3 days after chemo. After that, you may have a loss of energy and experience a general feeling of being unwell.
How does FOLFOX make you feel? ›Side effects can vary, with nausea, fatigue, numbness, and tingling being common. Be sure to discuss any concerns and questions with your healthcare provider before starting FOLFOX.
What are the long term side effects of FOLFOX chemotherapy? ›Hand/foot numbness/tingling appeared to be the longest lasting side-effects for those treated with oxaliplatin. The odds of hand numbness/tingling were significantly greater for the FLOX group during therapy and, while no longer significant at 18 months, were significantly greater at the long-term endpoint.
Is 5-FU a strong chemo drug? ›By itself, 5FU may not be very effective. This is because cancer cells have several mechanisms by which they can become resistant to 5FU. 5FU is far more effective when combined with other cancer drugs. For example, when 5FU is used alone for advanced colorectal cancer, the treatment response rate is 10% to 15% .
How many rounds of chemo does it take to shrink a tumor? ›Your tumor may start to shrink after one round, but it can also take months. Your oncologist will have a personal discussion with you about how long they think results might take.