Chemotherapy treatments for metastatic colorectal cancer: Is evidence-based medicine in practice?

Abstract

Purpose: The optimal regimen for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) remains uncertain. We sought to document clinicians' treatment recommendations and determine the motivation behind them. Materials and Methods: A postal questionnaire was sent to all members of the Medical Oncology Group of Australia concerning chemotherapy treatment options in the setting of metastatic CRC. Results: The response rate was 59.7% (n = 188). One hundred sixty-two physicians (86%) treated patients with CRC. Of the 162 physicians, 92.6% (n = 150) recommended oxaliplatin-based regimens as first-line treatment for CRC due to perceived superior efficacy (66.9%; n = 107) or toxicity profile (17%; n =..