Dr. Mitchell on Colorectal Cancer Treatment Options

Edith Mitchell, MD, FACP, clinical professor, director, Center to Eliminate Cancer Disparities Program Leader, Thomas Jefferson University, talks about the growing number of drugs and regimens for patients with colorectal cancer.

Mitchell says the approval of aflibercept adds to the growing list of drugs for patients with colorectal cancer.

In 1996, Mitchell says, 5-gluorouracil was the only drug that showed benefit for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Now, as a variety of drugs are available to patients, doctors can strive for the best quality of life possible.

As the number of drugs has increased, so has the improvement of survival for patients with colorectal cancer, Mitchell says.