Preoperative chemotherapy and radiotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer

Abstract

Background: The adjuvant treatment of rectal cancer is a rapidly evolving field. The standard approach is a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, with the optimal treatment combination and sequencing yet to be determined. Here, we report our early experience of preoperative chemotherapy and radiotherapy (CRT) in locally advanced rectal cancer at Radiation Oncology Victoria to determine its efficacy and the rate of sphincter preservation. Methods: Sixty-nine patients (46 men and 23 women) with locally advanced rectal cancer (T3-4 or N1) were treated with preoperative CRT followed by surgical resection of disease. Chemotherapy consisted of either bolus or continuous venous infusion of ..