The FOCUS trial

This information has been written to help you understand more about a new research trial called the FOCUS trial. The trial is looking at the value of chemotherapy for people with advanced colorectal cancer. Advanced colorectal cancer is cancer which started in the large bowel but has spread to surrounding tissue or other parts of the body. The trial is being carried out in cancer centres all over the UK; it was launched in 2000 and about 2100 people will take part over the next few years. The aim of the trial is to see whether using newer chemotherapy drugs can improve the length and quality of life for people with advanced colorectal cancer.