UFT (tegafur-uracil) in rectal cancer.
BACKGROUND
Major achievements in the treatment of localised rectal cancer include the development of total mesorectal excision and the perioperative administration of radiotherapy in combination with continuous infusion (CI) 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). This multimodal approach has resulted in extended survival and lower local relapse rates, with the potential for sphincter-preserving procedures. However, CI 5-FU is inconvenient for patients and is costly. Oral fluoropyrimidines like UFT (tegafur-uracil) offer a number of advantages over 5-FU.


METHODS
We undertook a review of published articles and abstracts relating to clinical studies of UFT in the treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). Pre- and postoperative studies carried out in patients with newly diagnosed or recurrent disease were included.


RESULTS
The combination of UFT and radiotherapy was effective and well tolerated in the preoperative setting, while adjuvant UFT improved survival and reduced distant relapse compared with surgery alone. The efficacy of UFT appears comparable with that of 5-FU and capecitabine and its side-effect profile is favourable.


CONCLUSIONS
Clinical experience to date suggests that UFT is a valuable treatment option for the perioperative treatment of LARC. Further improvements in patient outcomes may result from the combination of UFT with targeted agents.
Casado
E
E
Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Infanta Sofía, Madrid, Spain. Electronic address: enriquecasado@hotmail.com.
Pfeiffer
P
P
Department of Oncology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.
Feliu
J
J
Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain.
González-Barón
M
M
Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain.
Vestermark
L
L
Department of Oncology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.
Jensen
H A
HA
Department of Oncology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.
D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D006801:Humans; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery; D005641:Tegafur / Q000008:administration & dosage; D014498:Uracil / Q000008:administration & dosage
D005641:Tegafur; D014498:Uracil