699 Improved treatment results in rectal cancer by postoperative radiotherapy and 5-fluorouracil

• Published in: European journal of cancer (1990) 1995-11, Vol.31, p.S146-S146
• Main Authors: Tveit, K.M., Guldvog, I., Hagen, S., Trondsen, E., Harbitz, T., Nygaard, K., Nilsen, J.B., Wist, E., Hannisdal, E.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0959-8049; 1879-0852
• DOI: 10.1016/0959-8049(95)95949-7

The purpose was to investigate whether a time-scheduled regimen of postoperative radiotherapy and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) 30 min. before radiation could reduce local recurrence rate and improve survival in rectal cancer Dukes’ B and C. 144 patients with rectal cancer Dukes’ B and C were randomized to surgery alone or surgery combined with postoperative radiotherapy 46 Gy and bolus 5-FU. 136 patients were eligible. The treatment was well tolerated. After an observation time of 42–93 months, patients within the adjuvant treatment group had a cumulative local recurrence rate of 12%, compared to 30% in the surgery only group ( P = 0.01). The 5-year recurrence-free as well as overall survival was 64% in the adjuvant group compared to 46% ( P = 0.01) and 49% ( P = 0.05), respectively, in the surgery group. The one month combination treatment improved treatment results in rectal cancer Dukes B and C, in terms of local and total recurrence rate and survival, without serious side effects. The timing of 5-FU and radiation is probably important.