What is Camptosar?

beaud
beaud Member Posts: 7
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Does anyone know anything about camptosar? And, what is the expected result of using it?

Comments

  • 4mykids
    4mykids Member Posts: 33
    #2
    The only thing I can really say at this time about it is that I am on it. I have been receiving it almost weekly along with my monthly 5FU/leucovorin since the first week of January. I have tolerated it very well. Apparently diarrhea is the main side effect, but it has not been a problem for me. As far as effectiveness, I am still waiting to see. We are planning to do scans around end of March, early April to see how it is affecting my liver tumors.
  • 2bhealed
    2bhealed Member Posts: 2,064 Member
    #3
    hi beaud,

    Dr. Ralph Moss has been evaluating colon cancer chemos all this past month so if you go to

    www.cancerdecisions.com you may be able to read about it. I receive his wonderful weekely newsletter (email)n and if you can't access the article on his website I would be happy to send it to you.

    peace, emily
  • kerry
    kerry Member Posts: 1,313 Member
    #4
    Hi Beaud,

    I took Camptosar along with 5FU and Leucovorin for 6 months. Taking it 3 weeks on and 1 week off. The proper drug name of Camptosar or CPT-11 is Irinotecan. This drug caused me excessive diahrrea, fever, intestinal infection, and dizziness. I also experienced some chest pains once or twice. Many of the side effects are the same as 5FU. I made it through the whole 6 months with 2 bouts of fever, stomach pains and the rest, but I am thankful I did. I was diagnosed with Stage 111 colon cancer with 2 positive nodes and elected to take the extra strong stuff first thing. Supposedly it will reduce chance of recurrance by 20%+ or -. Good luck. I have been off my chemo for about 7 months now and am feeling better every day. I'm back to golfing, exercising and enjoying all life around me and you will be there too, soon.

    Take care.

    Kerry

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