Oxaliplatin Microdosing Assay in Predicting Exposure and Sensitivity to Oxaliplatin-Based Chemotherapy

Inclusion Criteria: * Histologically or cytologically confirmed locally advanced or metastatic colon or rectal adenocarcinoma * Intent to treat the patient with a leucovorin calcium, fluorouracil, and oxaliplatin (FOLFOX) chemotherapy regimen containing fluorouracil (5-FU), leucovorin, and oxaliplatin according to clinical standard practice; the intent should be to dose oxaliplatin at 85 mg/m\^2 on an every 2 week basis * Treatment with any additional Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved biologic agent (i.e. bevacizumab, cetuximab, or panitumumab) is allowed according to standard practice * Prior radiation or surgery is allowed, but should be finished at least 2 weeks prior to study enrollment; if a participant has prior radiation therapy, at least one measurable lesion outside of the radiation field should be available for the evaluation of response to chemotherapy * Any number of prior therapies other than oxaliplatin is allowed * Zubrod performance status equal to or less than 2 (Karnofsky equal to or greater than 50%) * Life expectancy of at least 3 months * Absolute neutrophil count greater than or equal to 1,500/microL * Platelets greater than or equal to 100,000/microL * Total bilirubin less than 3 x institutional upper limit of normal (ULN) * Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase) less than or equal to 5 x ULN * Creatinine less than 1.5 x ULN * Women of child bearing potential must not be pregnant; a pre-study pregnancy test must be negative * Women of child-bearing potential must agree to use adequate contraception (hormonal or barrier method of birth control; abstinence) prior to study entry and for 30 days after study participation * Men must agree to use adequate contraception (barrier method or abstinence) prior to study entry and for 30 days after study participation * Ability to understand and willing to sign a written informed consent document Exclusion Criteria: * Prior treatment with oxaliplatin * Patients must not receive concomitant radiation * Uncontrolled intercurrent illness including, but not limited to, ongoing or active infection, symptomatic congestive heart failure, unstable angina pectoris, cardiac arrhythmia, or psychiatric illness/social situations that would limit compliance with study requirements * Participants who are pregnant or nursing * Participants who are allergic to any platinum agent * Participants who have more than grade 1 peripheral neuropathy