Capecitabine Versus Bolus 5-Fu Associated to Radiotherapy as Neoadjuvant Treatment for Rectal Cancer.

Rectal Neoplasm Malignant

A randomized two-arm study comparing preoperative CRT using oral capecitabine versus bolus 5-FU/LV concomitant to external beam radiation (50.5 Gy/28 fractions) for locally advanced rectal cancer. Main outcome was clinical response assessed using MRI and endorectal US 6-8 weeks after CRT. Secondary endpoints were pathological response, adverse effects, sphyncter preservation, quality of life, OS and DFS.

Patients harbouring rectal adenocarcinoma T3-4 or N\>0 M0 within 10 cm to anal verge were randomized in two treatment arms: (1) capecitabina orally 825mg/m2 bid. 5 days a week for 5 weeks and (2) bolus intravenous 5-FU/LV 350mg/m2/20 mg/m2 D1-D5 on the first and fifth weeks, both combined to pelvic radiotherapy, total dose 50.4 Gy in 28 fractions. Clinical stage before and after CRT was determined using pelvic Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), endorectal ultrasonography (ERUS) and chest, abdominal and pelvic Computer Tomography. Surgery was planned 6 to 8 weeks after CRT. Sphincter preservation was always considered when negative margins were possible. Pathological assessment included stage (TNM 7th Ed.) and Mandard's Tumor Regression Grade (TRG). QOL questionnaires QLQ-C30 and CR38 were completed by patients before and after CRT, after surgery and during follow-up.