Priorities and uncertainties of administering chemotherapy in a pregnant woman with newly diagnosed colorectal cancer

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The absence of treatment standards for the use of chemotherapy in pregnancy is due, in part, to the fact that cancer in the gravid female is relatively uncommon. METHOD: A case (of a pregnant woman with newly diagnosed colorectal cancer) is presented to explore this area of medical uncertainty. RESULT: Managed by a multi-disciplinary team, successful prolongation of gestation was achieved with an oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy regimen. CONCLUSION: A perspective of the ongoing conflict between prolonging the mother's life and preserving fetal development is highlighted. Although not life-saving, administration of chemotherapy in this woman was life-sparing.