title: Post-operative concurrent chemoradiation therapy using oral uracil-tegafur versus weekly intravenous fluorouracil for locally advanced rectal cancer.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This prospective, nonrandomized study was conducted to compare the efficacy and toxicity of post-operative concurrent chemoradiation therapy (CCRT) using daily oral uracil-tegafur plus leucovorin (UFUR/LV) vs. weekly intravenous fluorouracil plus leucovorin (5-FU/LV) in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer.
  
  
  METHODS
  From November 1996 through December 2004, 30 patients with stage II or III rectal cancer were enrolled. Either 5-FU (400 to 450 mg/m2) plus LV (80 to 100 mg/m2) weekly or oral UFUR (250 to 300 mg/m2/d) plus oral LV (30 to 45 mg/m2/d) were given during radiotherapy. Radiation (50.4 to 60.4 Gy) was delivered to the tumor bed in 28-33 fractions.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean survival, 2-year overall survival and disease-free survival were 36 months vs. 30 months, 68% vs. 66% and 55% vs. 50%, (p > 0.05), in the UFUR/LV and 5-FU/LV groups, respectively. There were no treatment-related deaths or grade 4 toxicity in either group. Grade 3 dermatitis, gastrointestinal and hematologic toxicity were noted in the 5-FU/LV group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Because of a similar survival rate and lower toxicity, oral UFUR/LV is suggested as an alternative regimen to intravenous 5-FU/LV in post-operative CCRT of locally advanced rectal cancer.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Oncology, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Chen-Hsi
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Hsieh
authors.forename: Yu-Jen
authors.initials: YJ
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Kou-Hwa
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: Hsi-Hsien
authors.initials: HH
authors.lastname: Hsu
authors.forename: Chien-Kuo
authors.initials: CK
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Shih-Kai
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Hung
authors.forename: Hong-Wen
authors.initials: HW
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Yuen-Liang
authors.initials: YL
authors.lastname: Lai
authors.forename: Tzu-Chi
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Hsu
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011182:Postoperative Care; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D005641:Tegafur / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D005641:Tegafur; D005472:Fluorouracil