What chemotherapy drugs are used after surgery for rectal cancer?

Commonly used chemotherapy drugs after rectal cancer surgery include capecitabine tablets, oxaliplatin injection, fluorouracil injection, irinotecan hydrochloride injection, and raltitrexed for injection. The choice of medication should be based on tumor staging and the patient's physical condition, and must be administered under the guidance of a professional physician. If severe vomiting, diarrhea, or abnormal blood test results occur after chemotherapy, prompt medical attention is recommended.

1. Capecitabine tablets: An oral chemotherapeutic agent that converts into an active anti-tumor substance in the body, inhibiting tumor cell proliferation. It is commonly used for adjuvant chemotherapy following early-stage rectal cancer surgery. Its oral administration offers convenience and is suitable for outpatient treatment.

2. Oxaliplatin injection: A intravenous chemotherapeutic drug that works by inhibiting DNA replication in tumor cells. It is often used in combination with other agents for postoperative chemotherapy in intermediate to advanced-stage rectal cancer. Peripheral neurotoxicity should be monitored during treatment.

3. Fluorouracil injection: A classic intravenous chemotherapeutic agent that interferes with nucleic acid synthesis in tumor cells, thereby suppressing tumor growth. It is widely used in adjuvant chemotherapy after rectal cancer surgery and also serves as palliative treatment for advanced-stage patients, with extensive clinical application.

4. Irinotecan hydrochloride injection: Administered intravenously, it inhibits topoisomerase I, disrupting DNA repair in tumor cells. It is indicated for chemotherapy in patients with recurrent or metastatic rectal cancer after surgery. Delayed-onset diarrhea should be closely monitored.

5. Raltitrexed for injection: An intravenous chemotherapeutic agent that interferes with tumor cell metabolism by inhibiting folate-dependent enzymes. It can be used in postoperative rectal cancer patients who cannot tolerate other chemotherapy drugs, effectively controlling tumor progression.

During routine chemotherapy, maintain a light and easily digestible diet, eat small meals frequently to ensure adequate nutrition, keep warm to avoid cold exposure, engage in moderate physical activity to improve strength, and maintain a positive mood. These measures help reduce chemotherapy-related side effects and promote recovery.