Preoperative chemoradiation for locally advanced rectal adenocarcinoma-the University of Florida experience.
To evaluate the efficacy of preoperative radiotherapy alone or combine with chemotherapy. Between 1975 to 1997, 318 patients with locally advanced rectal adenocarcinomas were treated with preoperative radiation therapy. Between 1991 and 1997, approximately 60% of patients received fluorouracil (5-FU)-based adjuvant chemotherapy. Patients treated since 1991 had improved downstaging compared with those treated prior to 1991. Patients treated between 1991 and 1997 were also more likely to undergo a sphincter preserving surgical procedure. Preoperative chemoradiation probably results in improved downstaging and survival compared with preoperative irradiation alone.
Mendenhall
William M
WM
Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida 32610-0385, USA. mendewil@shands.ufl.edu
Vauthey
Jean-Nicolas
JN
Zlotecki
Robert A
RA
Marsh
Robert D
RD
Copeland
Edward M
EM
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery* / Q000628:therapy; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D020360:Neoadjuvant Therapy; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery* / Q000628:therapy; D015996:Survival Rate