colorectal cancer patient, question on pros and cons of maintenance therapy

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I'm a stage IV colorectal cancer patient with metastasis to the lungs, and I live in Italy. My oncologist would like me to begin maintenance therapy of bevacizumab and capecitabine.  I'm feeling extremely skittish about quality of life issues from capecitabine. Am I correct that the progression free surviveability rate is 8 months vs 4 months with no treatment, and that overall surviveability rate has no change?

  • Hi Ponente,

    Thank you for getting in touch with Macmillan Cancer Support.  My name is Kelly and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists.

    I’m aware you have some concerns about your treatment you are having in Italy.

    As a UK charity, it is now difficult for us to reply in detail to questions about cancer if you live outside the United Kingdom. This is because there are differences in health services and care in other countries.

    You can read about the UK standard treatment for your cancer here on our website. The UK national guidelines for bowel cancer recommend treatment options available on the NHS.  These may be different from other countries.

    We’d encourage you to get back in touch with your oncologist as they will be familiar with all research regarding treatments for bowel cancer. They will be able to explain the meaning of the results from these and how they relate to your individual situation.  

    You might find the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) guidelines of some help. They have this resource on getting the most from your oncologist.

    Your oncology team are best placed to offer further reassurance and support with any ongoing concerns with your treatment options. Especially any impacts on your quality of life. Knowing the right questions to ask can help.

    This is the same advice we would give to anyone getting in touch with us from within the UK.

    There does appear to be a local  cancer organisation in Italy.  I wondered if they may offer further guidance and emotional support too.

    I hope that you are able to get support from your oncologist soon.

    Best wishes,

    Kelly

    Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

    Ref/KA/KH