Results of phase II trial of intensified neoadjuvant treatment with interdigitating radiotherapy and chemotherapy with oxaliplatin, 5-fluorouracil and folinic acid in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (PROARCT trial)

Abstract

Background and purpose: The chemotherapy exposure during chemoradiotherapy for rectal cancer is adequate for radiosensitization but suboptimal for treatment of distant micrometastasis. This study aimed to determine tolerability, dose intensity, response, and toxicity of a novel intensified neoadjuvant treatment approach. Materials and Methods: Eligible patients were MRI-staged T3-4NxM0 rectal adenocarcinoma. Treatment consisted of FOLFOX chemotherapy given in weeks 1, 6, and 11 with pelvic radiotherapy (25.2 Gy in 3 weeks in 1.8 Gy/fraction with oxaliplatin and 5-FU continuous infusion) given in weeks 3–5, and weeks 8–10. Surgery was performed 4–6 weeks later. The primary endpoint was tolera..