title: Squamous cell carcinoma of the rectum: a multimodality approach.
abstract: A 60-year-old homosexual male with a diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma of the rectum, arising 7 cm from the dentate line, was treated with a rectal preserving multimodality approach consisting of excisional biopsy and chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and mitomycin-C with concomitant administration of radiation therapy to the tumor and pelvic nodal bearing areas. The patient has remained disease-free with full preservation of anorectal function on follow-up at 2 years. This approach to a difficult and unusual problem is recommended as a first line of therapy rather than surgical resection if it is deemed that the patient can tolerate a combination of chemo and radiation therapy and the patient will be able to participate in a long-term follow-up.
mesh_terms: D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006716:Homosexuality; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016685:Mitomycin; D008937:Mitomycins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*
chemical_list: D008937:Mitomycins; D016685:Mitomycin; D005472:Fluorouracil