Neoadjuvant (NA) oxaliplatin (FOLFOX4) followed by chemoradiation (CRT) in locally advanced rectal cancer: Intermediate results

3624 Background: To explore the contribution of induction FOLFOX4 and inmediate oral Tegafur sensitized preoperative CRT in ≥cT3 rectal cancer. Particular emphasis is given to the analysis of local effects of the NA treatment segment: tumor downstaging and pelvic normal tissue tolerance. Methods: From April/2001 to March/2003, 67 consecutive patients (p) diagnosed of ≥cT3 rectal cancer (90% EUS and 100% CT scan; 48% cN+, 10% cT4) were treated with NA FOLFOX4 (Oxaliplatin 85 mg/m2 as a 2 h infusion day 1, LV 200 mg/m2 as a 2 h infusion followed by bolus 5-FU 400 mg/m2 and a 22 hours infusion of 5-FU 600 mg/m2 day 1 for 2 consecutive days). Treatment was repeated every 2 weeks, 2 courses, inmediately followed by 4500–5040 cGy pelvic radiation with concurrent oral Tegafur 1200 mg/day. Surgery was programmed 4 to 6 weeks after. Transanal excission of post-CRT rectal wall cancer residue was done in 3 p (5%). Intraoperative presacral electron boost (1000–1250 cGy) was given to 47 p (76%). Adjuvant chemotherapy ...