Useful Resources
Here are some of the support organizations that can help you, or a caregiver, cope
with a colorectal cancer diagnosis.
Colorectal Cancer Coalition (CCC)
Colorectal Cancer Coalition (CCC) is a nonprofit, advocacy organization that fights
colorectal cancer through research, empowerment, and access to information. C3 provides
a patient and caregiver answer line. Phone 877-4CRC-111 (877-427-2111).
Colon
Cancer Alliance
The Colon Cancer Alliance (CCA) is committed to ending the suffering and death caused
by colorectal cancer. Using the voices of survivors, it provides patients, friends,
and family members with support, education, research, and advocacy. Member services
include a buddy program, help line, and a local chapter program called VOICES. Phone
877-422-2030.
National Cancer
Survivors Day (NCSD) Foundation
The nonprofit National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation supports hundreds of hospitals,
support groups, and other cancer-related organizations that host National Cancer
Survivors Day events — on the first Sunday of June — by providing free guidance,
education, and networking. A free celebration planning kit is available. Phone 615-794-3006.
National
Coalition for Cancer Survivorship
The oldest survivor-led cancer advocacy organization in the country advocates for
quality cancer care for all Americans and seeks to empower cancer survivors and
advocates for policy issues that affect quality of life for cancer survivors. Phone 888-650-9127.
Prevent
Cancer Foundation
A foundation focused on cancer prevention through early detection, funding research,
educating the public, and community outreach to all population groups. Phone 703-836-4412
or 800-227-2732.
American Cancer
Society (ACS)
Provides patients, family and friends with up-to-the-minute information on the prevention,
detection, and treatment of cancer. The Web site can also help you find support
groups and opportunities for volunteerism in your community. Phone 800-ACS-2345
(800-227-2345).
Association of
Cancer Online Resources (ACOR)
This site helps you connect with others who have similar cancers by providing access
to more than 150 mailing lists. You can log on for free, unmoderated discussion
with patients, family, friends, doctors, and researchers. Phone 212-226-5525.
CancerCare
A national nonprofit organization that provides free support services to patients,
caregivers, children, loved ones, and the bereaved through counseling, education,
financial assistance, and practical help. You can access services online or by phone.
Phone 800-813-HOPE (800-813-4673) or 212-712-8080.
Cancer.net
The ASCO Cancer Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of people with cancer
by advancing cancer research, patient information, physician education, and access
to care. It can provide you with the latest on research, treatment, and care. Phone
888-651-3038.
Cancer Care Connection
This free public service provides individuals and families affected by cancer with
personal coaching, Internet navigation assistance, and other useful information
and resources. This site can help you gain control of your situation, access support,
and find resources to meet your health and quality-of-life needs. Phone 866-266-7008.
Cancer Hope Network
An organization that can provide you or family members with free, confidential,
one-on-one support by matching patients and family with trained volunteers who are
cancer survivors themselves. Phone 877-HOPENET (877-467-3638) or 908-879-4039.
Gilda’s
Club
Founded by the late Gilda Radner, Gilda’s Club emphasizes community-building, collective
wisdom, and shared experience. It provides meeting places throughout the United
States where people living with cancer can receive emotional and social support
to supplement their medical care — completely free of charge. Phone 888-GILDA-4-U
(888-445-3284).
The Wellness Community
This international nonprofit organization can provide free support, education and
hope to you and your loved ones. People affected by cancer can learn vital skills
that enable them to regain control, reduce isolation, and restore hope regardless
of the stage of their disease. Phone 888-793-WELL (888-793-9355) or 202-659-9709.
Patient Access Network Foundation
The Patient Access Network Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated
to supporting the needs of underinsured patients that cannot access the treatments
they need due to out-of-pocket healthcare costs. Phone 866-316-PANF (866-316-7263).
Patient
Advocate Foundation (PAF)
A non-profit organization that seeks to safeguard patients by serving as liaisons
with insurers, employers, and/or providing advice on debt crisis matters relative
to their diagnoses. Phone 800-532-5274.
National Cancer Coalition (NCC)
A coalition committed to improving the quality of life of cancer patients throughout
the world through financial relief, research, and education. NCC works to reduce
the suffering of cancer patients and their families by meeting unfulfilled needs
with medical and financial relief. Phone 919-821-2182.
Cancer Consultants
A member of the Cancer Information Network, Cancer Consultants is the leading developer
of oncology Web sites, their content, and Internet applications in oncology. This
site can provide you, your family, and caregivers with the most current information
about the prevention, screening, treatment, and overall management of cancer.
CancerInfo.net
CancerInfo.net connects you to a variety of resources for many different types of
cancer, including colorectal. You’ll be able to link to the latest cancer treatment
information, up-to-date news on clinical trials, and much more. Phone 800-981-2491.
Coping
With Cancer
This online magazine provides cancer patients, their families, caregivers, healthcare
teams, and support group leaders with knowledge, hope, and inspiration. Phone 615-790-2400.
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the NCI conducts and supports research
and training and can provide you with the latest information and educational materials.
Phone 800-4-CANCER (800-422-6237).
R. A.
Bloch Cancer Foundation, Inc.
Inspires patients by matching the newly diagnosed with trained, home-based volunteers
who have undergone treatment for the same type of cancer. Phone 800-433-0464.
American Cancer Society (ACS)
If you’re interested in being part of a clinical trial, the American Cancer Society
Clinical Trials Matching Service is a free, confidential program that can help you
find the clinical trials most appropriate to your medical and personal situation.
The Web site also guides you to support groups and opportunities for volunteering.
Phone 800-303-5691.
Coalition of Cancer Cooperative Groups
This non-profit organization’s mission is to improve the quality of life and survival
of cancer patients by increasing participation in clinical trials. The Web site
gives you access to a cancer clinical trials search engine and an interactive training
guide for cancer clinical trials. Phone 877-520-4457.
ClinicalTrials.gov
A service of the NIH, this Web site provides information about clinical trials being
conducted in the United States and around the world. You get access to information
about a trial's purpose, who may participate, locations, and contact numbers. Phone
888-346-3656.
American Institute
for Cancer Research (AICR)
An organization that fosters research on diet and cancer prevention, interprets
the evidence, and educates the public about the results. This Web site can provide
you with personalized answers to questions about diet, nutrition, and cancer. Phone
800-843-8114.
National Hospice
and Palliative Care Organization
Works to advance care at the end of life. The Hospice Hotline helps callers find
suitable hospices in their areas. Phone 800-658-8898.
United Ostomy
Association of America, Inc. (UOAA)
A national network for bowel and urinary diversion support groups in the United
States. Its goal is to improve the quality of life of people who have had, or will
have, an intestinal or urinary diversion. Phone 800-826-0826.
INDICATIONS
Eloxatin® (oxaliplatin injection), used in combination with infusional
5-FU/LV, is indicated for
- Adjuvant treatment of stage III colon cancer patients who have undergone complete
resection of the primary tumor.
- Treatment of advanced carcinoma of the colon or rectum.
Clinical Safety Considerations
Anaphylactic-like reactions to ELOXATIN have been reported and may occur within
minutes of ELOXATIN administration. Epinephrine, corticosteroids, and antihistamines
have been employed to alleviate symptoms.
- ELOXATIN should not be administered to patients with a history of known allergy
to ELOXATIN or other platinum compounds. Hypersensitivity and anaphylactic/anaphylactoid
reactions to ELOXATIN have been reported and were similar in nature and severity
to those reported with other platinum compounds (ie, rash, urticaria, erythema,
pruritus, and, rarely, bronchospasm and hypotension). These reactions occur within
minutes of administration and should be managed with appropriate supportive therapy.
Drug-related deaths from this reaction have been reported.
- ELOXATIN may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Women of childbearing
potential should be advised not to become pregnant while receiving ELOXATIN. It
is not known whether ELOXATIN or its derivatives are excreted in human milk.
- ELOXATIN has been associated with pulmonary fibrosis (<1% of study patients),
which may be fatal. The combined incidence of cough and dyspnea was 7.4% (<1%
grade 3, no grade 4) in the ELOXATIN plus 5-FU/LV arm compared to 4.5% (no grade
3, 0.1% grade 4) in the 5-FU/LV alone arm in the adjuvant colon cancer study. In
this study, one patient died from eosinophilic pneumonia in the ELOXATIN combination
arm. The combined incidence of cough, dyspnea, and hypoxia was 43% (7% grade 3 and
4) in the ELOXATIN plus 5-FU/LV arm compared to 32% (5% grade 3 and 4) in the irinotecan
plus 5-FU/LV arm in patients with previously untreated colorectal cancer. In case
of unexplained respiratory symptoms, ELOXATIN should be discontinued until pulmonary
investigation excludes interstitial lung disease or pulmonary fibrosis.
- ELOXATIN is associated with two types of primarily peripheral sensory neuropathy:
an acute, reversible type of early onset and a persistent type (>14 days). In
patients with advanced colorectal cancer paresthesias occurred in 77% (all grades)
and 18% (grade 3/4) of previously untreated patients. In previously treated patients,
acute neuropathy occurred in 56% (all grades) and 2% (grade 3/4) of patients; persistent
neuropathy occurred in 48% (all grades) and 6% (grade 3/4) of patients. In patients
with stage II and III colon cancer, paresthesia was seen in 92% (all grades) and
13% (grade 3/4) of patients; 21% (all grades), 0.5% (grade 3/4) had residual paresthesia
at 18-month follow-up.
- Hepatotoxicity, as evidenced in the adjuvant study by increase in transaminases
and alkaline phosphatase was observed more commonly in the ELOXATIN combination
arm. The incidence of increased bilirubin was similar on both arms. Changes noted
on liver biopsies include: peliosis, nodular regenerative hyperplasia or sinusoidal
alterations, perisinusoidal fibrosis and veno-occlusive lesions. Hepatic vascular
disorders should be considered and, if appropriate, investigated in case of abnormal
liver function test results or portal hypertension not explained by liver metastases.
- Monitoring of white blood cell count with differential, hemoglobin, platelet count
and blood chemistries (including ALT, AST, bilirubin and creatinine) is recommended
before each ELOXATIN cycle.
- The safety and effectiveness of ELOXATIN plus 5-FU/LV in patients with renal impairment
have not been evaluated. Since the primary route of platinum elimination is renal,
this combination should be used with caution in patients with preexisting renal
impairment. Clearance of these products may be decreased by coadministration of
potentially nephrotoxic compounds, although this has not been specifically studied.
- The incidence of diarrhea, dehydration, hypokalemia, leukopenia, fatigue and syncope
were higher in patients ≥65 years old.
- Extravasation may result in local pain and inflammation that may be severe and lead
to complications, including necrosis. Injection site reaction, including redness,
swelling and pain, has been reported.
- There have been reports of prolonged prothrombin time and INR occasionally associated
with hemorrhage in patients receiving ELOXATIN plus 5-FU/LV while on anticoagulants.
Patients receiving ELOXATIN plus 5-FU/LV and requiring oral anticoagulants may require
closer monitoring.
- The most common adverse reactions in patients with stage II or III colon cancer
receiving adjuvant therapy were peripheral sensory neuropathy, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia,
anemia, nausea, increase in transaminases and alkaline phosphatase, diarrhea, emesis,
fatigue, and stomatitis. The most common adverse reactions in patients with advanced
colorectal cancer were peripheral sensory neuropathy, fatigue, neutropenia, nausea,
emesis, and diarrhea.
Click
here for additional important information for Eloxatin.
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