What is Camptosar?

Options
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 CSN Member Posts: 2,068 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 CSN 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

Discussion Boards