Induction Chemotherapy with Capecitabine and Oxaliplatin Followed by Chemoradiotherapy before Surgery in Patients with Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer (A Phase II Study)

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) has a high incidence of local and distant relapse even after adequate treatment. The emerging role of neoadjuvant induction chemotherapy may allow initial down staging of the primary tumor, less toxicity profile and early treatment of micrometastatic disease followed by chemoradiation, and optimum local control may be attained, with the hope of increased complete response rates Objectives: to identify the effect of induction chemotherapy with oxaliplatin and capecitabine (CapeOx) before concurrent chemoradiation in locally advanced rectal cancer in terms of response and toxicity. Primary end point is assessment of complete pathological response rate.