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  • Title: [Preoperative concurrent radiochemotherapy for cancer of the rectum].
    Author: Berger C, Kirscher S, Félix-Faure C, Chauvet B, Vincent P, Brewer Y, Reboul F.
    Journal: Cancer Radiother; 1998; 2(3):260-5. PubMed ID: 9749124.
    Abstract:
    PURPOSE: To evaluate retrospectively treatment-related morbidity of concurrent radiotherapy and chemotherapy for rectal cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1992 and 1995, 38 patients (median age: 60) were treated for locally advanced resectable rectal cancer. Median dose of radiotherapy was 45 Gy/25 fractions/5 weeks. Chemotherapy consisted of two courses of 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin administered during the first and the fifth weeks of radiotherapy. Median dose of 5-fluorouracil was 350 mg/m2/day, and median dose of leucovorin was 20 mg/m2/day, day 1 to day 5. Surgery was performed 5 weeks after completion of radiotherapy. RESULTS: Before surgery, one patient died of febrile neutropenia and sepsis after two cycles of chemotherapy and 45 Gy. Main pre-operative grade 3-4 toxicities were respectively: neutropenia: 3%; nausea/vomiting: 3%; diarrhea: 3%; proctitis: 5%; radiation dermatitis: 8%. Twenty-six patients underwent a low anterior resection and 11 an abdomino-perineal resection. A temporary colostomy was performed in 12 patients. Pathologic complete response rate was 27%. There was one post-operative death due to thromboembolic disease. Major post-operative grade 3-4 complications were: pelvic infection: 14%; abdominal infection: 5%; perineal sepsis: 8%; anastomotic dehiscence: 8%; cardiac failure: 5%. Delayed perineal wound healing was observed in six patients. No significant prognosic factor of post-operative complications has been observed. Median duration of hospitalization was 22 days. With a median follow-up of 24 months, 2-year overall and disease-free survival rates were 82 and 64%. CONCLUSION: Tolerance of preoperative concurrent chemoradiotherapy was acceptable. Ongoing controlled studies will assess the impact of this combined treatment on survival.
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