Phase II Trial Assessing Efficacy and Toxicity of Capecitabine and Oxaliplatin in the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer

Inclusion Criteria: Age >18 Histologically proven colorectal adenocarcinoma, requiring therapy as defined by one of the four treatment subgroups No previous malignant disease other than non-melanotic skin cancer or carcinoma-in-situ of the uterine cervix. Unidimensional measurable disease as assessed by CT. (Unless adjuvant therapy only) Adequate bone marrow function; Hb >10g/dl, platelets >100 x109/l, WBC >3x109/l, Neut >1.5x109/l. Adequate liver function: Serum Bilirubin <1.5 x upper limit of institutional normal Adequate renal function, calculated Creatinine Clearance >50mls/min No concurrent uncontrolled medical conditions WHO performance status 0,1 or 2 Adequate contraceptive precautions, if appropriate Informed written consent Negative pregnancy test in women of child bearing age Life expectancy > 3 months Exclusion Criteria: Medical or psychiatric condition that comprise the patient's ability to take informed consent. Clinically significant (i.e. active) cardiac disease (e.g. congestive heart failure, symptomatic coronary artery disease and cardiac arrhythmia even if controlled with medication) or myocardial infarction within the last 12 months. Patients with any significant symptoms or history of peripheral neuropathy.