Colon cancer is the third most common cause of cancer-related deaths in the world.

According to statistics, it is estimated that in 2020, over 143,000 people will be diagnosed with colon cancer, and over 53,000 will eventually die from the disease in the US alone. Luckily, there are several drug therapies available that have been shown to decrease the risk of colon cancer mortality. In this article, we will discuss some of these therapies in detail.

1. Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a type of drug therapy that involves the use of drugs to destroy cancer cells. It is commonly used to treat colon cancer, either alone or in combination with other treatments like surgery or radiation therapy.

The aim of chemotherapy is to kill any remaining cancer cells after surgery or to slow down the growth of the cancer in cases where surgery is not possible.

The most commonly used chemotherapy drugs for colon cancer include 5-fluorouracil (5FU), capecitabine (Xeloda), oxaliplatin (Eloxatin), and irinotecan (Camptosar). These drugs are usually given in cycles, with each cycle lasting a few weeks.

The exact number of cycles you receive may depend on the stage of your cancer, your general health, and how well you tolerate the drugs.

2. Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy is a type of drug therapy that works by blocking the growth and spread of cancer cells. These drugs target specific molecules that are involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells, while leaving healthy cells alone.

Targeted therapies are often used in combination with chemotherapy or other treatments for advanced colon cancer.

The most commonly used targeted therapy drugs for colon cancer include cetuximab (Erbitux), panitumumab (Vectibix), regorafenib (Stivarga), and bevacizumab (Avastin).

These drugs are usually given by infusion into a vein or as an injection under the skin. Side effects may include skin rash, diarrhea, and high blood pressure.

3. Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a type of drug therapy that works by stimulating the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. Unlike other types of drug therapies, immunotherapy targets the immune system, rather than the cancer cells directly.

It is usually reserved for cases where other treatments have failed.

Immunotherapy drugs that have been approved for the treatment of colon cancer include nivolumab (Opdivo) and pembrolizumab (Keytruda). These drugs are usually given by infusion into a vein every two to three weeks.

Side effects may include fatigue, nausea, and loss of appetite.

4. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

NSAIDs are a type of drug that is commonly used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and lower fever. However, studies have shown that certain types of NSAIDs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, can also decrease the risk of colon cancer mortality.

The exact mechanism by which NSAIDs reduce the risk of colon cancer is not yet fully understood. However, it is thought that these drugs work by reducing inflammation and slowing down the growth and spread of cancer cells.

It is important to note that NSAIDs can have serious side effects, especially when taken over a long period of time. Therefore, it is important to discuss the risks and benefits of taking these drugs with your doctor.

5. Statins

Statins are a type of drug that is commonly used to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Studies have also shown that statins may reduce the risk of colon cancer mortality.

The exact mechanism by which statins reduce the risk of colon cancer is not yet fully understood. However, it is thought that these drugs work by inhibiting a pathway that is involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells.

It is important to note that statins can have serious side effects, such as muscle pain and liver damage. Therefore, it is important to discuss the risks and benefits of taking these drugs with your doctor.

6. Metformin

Metformin is a type of drug that is commonly used to treat diabetes. Studies have also shown that metformin may reduce the risk of colon cancer mortality.

The exact mechanism by which metformin reduces the risk of colon cancer is not yet fully understood.

However, it is thought that these drugs work by reducing the levels of insulin and glucose in the body, which can inhibit the growth and spread of cancer cells. It is important to note that metformin can have serious side effects, such as low blood sugar and lactic acidosis. Therefore, it is important to discuss the risks and benefits of taking these drugs with your doctor.

7. Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a type of nutrient that is essential for the normal functioning of the body. Studies have also shown that vitamin D may reduce the risk of colon cancer mortality.

The exact mechanism by which vitamin D reduces the risk of colon cancer is not yet fully understood. However, it is thought that this nutrient works by regulating cell growth and differentiation, which can inhibit the growth and spread of cancer cells.

It is important to note that excessive intake of vitamin D can have serious side effects, such as kidney damage and high blood calcium levels. Therefore, it is important to discuss the risks and benefits of taking vitamin D supplements with your doctor.

8. Calcium Supplements

Calcium is a type of mineral that is essential for bone health. Studies have also shown that calcium supplements may reduce the risk of colon cancer mortality.

The exact mechanism by which calcium supplements reduce the risk of colon cancer is not yet fully understood.

However, it is thought that this mineral works by binding to certain chemicals in the gut that can promote the growth and spread of cancer cells. It is important to note that excessive intake of calcium supplements can have serious side effects, such as kidney stones and calcification of soft tissues.

Therefore, it is important to discuss the risks and benefits of taking calcium supplements with your doctor.

9. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of nutrient that is essential for the normal functioning of the body. Studies have also shown that omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of colon cancer mortality.

The exact mechanism by which omega-3 fatty acids reduce the risk of colon cancer is not yet fully understood. However, it is thought that these nutrients work by reducing inflammation and inhibiting the growth and spread of cancer cells.

It is important to note that excessive intake of omega-3 fatty acids can have serious side effects, such as increased bleeding and decreased blood clotting. Therefore, it is important to discuss the risks and benefits of taking omega-3 fatty acid supplements with your doctor.

10. Probiotics

Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are beneficial for the gut health. Studies have also shown that probiotics may reduce the risk of colon cancer mortality.

The exact mechanism by which probiotics reduce the risk of colon cancer is not yet fully understood.

However, it is thought that these beneficial bacteria work by protecting the gut lining, reducing inflammation, and inhibiting the growth and spread of cancer cells. It is important to note that excessive intake of probiotics can have serious side effects, such as gas, bloating, and diarrhea. Therefore, it is important to discuss the risks and benefits of taking probiotics with your doctor.

Conclusion

Colon cancer is a serious disease that affects millions of people worldwide. Fortunately, there are several drug therapies available that have been shown to decrease the risk of colon cancer mortality.

These therapies include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, NSAIDs, statins, metformin, vitamin D, calcium supplements, omega-3 fatty acids, and probiotics. However, it is important to note that each of these therapies has its own risks and benefits, and it is important to discuss the options with your doctor to determine which treatment is right for you.