Patient preferences in cancer chemotherapy are an increasingly important issue and need to be better understood. In this pilot study, 45 patients with advanced colorectal cancer were shown 'blinded' descriptions of four different chemotherapy regimens [three 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-based regimens and Raltitrexed (Tomudex)] and asked to select which they most and least preferred assuming equal efficacy and safety. Patients also rated how troublesome were factors associated with attending hospital and/or receiving chemotherapy. The Raltitrexed regimen was most preferred by 87% of patients, generally because the visit schedule for administration was more convenient. In most cases, patients expressed a strong preference. Continuous 5-FU administered via a Hickman line and portable infusion pump was the least preferred treatment (80%), and the factors associated with wearing a Hickman line permanently were rated as 'very troublesome' or 'fairly troublesome' by 98% of patients. In conclusion, patients prefer convenient chemotherapy regimens which cause minimal disruption of their normal daily routine.