Preprative radiochemotherapy in locally advanced rectal cancer

Abstract EN

Combined modality has proven efficacy in many malignant tumors (head and neck, cervix) with the advantage of organ preservation.

Therefore we studied 15 patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (T3-4, Nx, M0).

Patients received 45-50 Gy whole pelvic irradiation concomitant with 20 mg / m2 leucovorin (30 minute IV infusion) and 5-fluorouracil 370 mg/m2 (1 hour IV infusion) days 1-5 and repeated days 29-34 through the course of radiotherapy (RT).

Surgery performed 4-6 weeks from the end of RT.

Ten out of fifteen patients showed clinical down-staging.

There was no enhancement of the toxicity and all the patients had unremarkable postoperative course.

In conclusion radio chemotherapy is feasible, safe and effective with good down staging in locally advanced rectal can-car.