Current Chemotherapy Strategies for Colorectal Cancer: Challenges and Future Directions

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) poses a significant global health challenge, ranking as the third most prevalent cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality. The development of CRC is driven by genetic mutations, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices. Over recent decades, chemotherapy has played a crucial role in CRC treatment. Key chemotherapeutic agents such as 5-fluorouracil, capecitabine, irinotecan, oxaliplatin, and trifluridine/tipiracil have sig-nificantly improved patient outcomes. However, chemotherapy for CRC still faces significant challenges, including severe side effects, drug resistance, and high costs. This review discusses the current status and recent advancements in chemotherapy strategies for CRC, delves into the challenges the field faces, and proposes future research directions to foster the development of more effective chemotherapeutic drugs for CRC.