[Oxaliplatin].

Oxaliplatin (L-OHP) is a new third generation 1,2-DACH-platinum derivative. Pre-clinical studies from human cell lines suggested that L-OHP was efficacious in treating advanced or recurrent colorectal cancer. Furthermore, L-OHP and fluorouracil combination was shown to be synergistic both in experimental studies and in clinical trials.

[Chemotherapy cancer treatment during the past sixty years].

Although history of cancer chemotherapy is relatively short, its role is expanding. Cancer chemotherapy provides variably effective treatment for the majority of human cancer and curative treatment for some categories of cancer. The role of chemotherapy will expand further and play an even greater role in improving both the survival and quality of life for patients with cancer.

[Adverse effects in cancer chemotherapy].

The toxicity of cancer treatment affects adversely the QOL of patients and limits the intensity of treatment that can be administered. In this article, characteristics of these each adverse reactions are described. In the last decade, several means have been developed that offer possible prevention and reduction from the adverse effects of a range of cancer treatment.

[Prevention of side reactions--present status and problems--special references].

The toxicity of chemotherapy affects adversely the QOL of patients and limits the dose of chemotherapy that can be administered. In the last decade, several agents have been developed that offer possible reduction from the toxicity of a range of anticancer agents. Clinical trials to evaluate these agents are intrinsically more difficult to perform.

[Clinical usefulness of ondansetron injection in patients receiving cancer chemotherapy].

Before and after launch of 5-HT3, antagonist, necessary dose and duration of chemotherapy were compared between the patients who were confirmed to have undergone chemotherapy before the launch of 5-HT3 antagonist (retrospective group) and the ones currently using ondansetron (OND) for chemotherapy-induced emesis (prospective group). Clinical usefulness of OND was evaluated through survey on quality of life (QOL) to patients and questionnaires to physicians, nurses & patients. Necessary dose of chemotherapy was evaluated by investigating actual dose of cisplatin (CDDP).