Biological Drugs

Biological drugs can damage cancer cells without harming healthy cells. These drugs do not cure but aim to extend the lives of patients with colorectal cancer.

In 2005, Canada approved two new drugs: Avastin and Erbitux. These are used to treat cancers that have spread beyond the colon or rectum, to other parts of the body. Both are administered intravenously. A third drug, called Oxaliplatin, is not yet available in Canada but can be obtained through Health Canada’s Special Access Program.