Abstract

BANNURA C, GUILLERMO et al. Preoperative chemoradiotherapy in rectal cancer, experience in 76 patients. Rev Chil Cir [online]. 2010, vol.62, n.6, pp. 607-613. ISSN 0718-4026.  http://dx.doi.org/10.4067/S0718-40262010000600011.

Background: Preoperative chemoradiotherapy is helpful as an adjuvant treatment for locally advanced rectal carcinoma. Aim: To report the results of a prospective series of patients with rectal carcinoma treated with chemoradiotherapy and surgical excision. Material and Methods: Seventy six patients aged 28 to 84 years (51% women), with locally advanced rectal cancer (T3-T4 or N+) subjected to curative surgery and treated with radiotherapy and 5 fluoruracil with leucovorin, were included in this series. Results: Mean hospital stay was 12.5 ± 7.2 days, 37% had operative complications and no patient died. The downstaging effect was more marked for local invasion than for lymph node involvement. In 21% of cases, a complete pathological response was achieved and no patient has had a relapse during a 59 months follow up. Conclusions: Among patients with rectal cancer, preoperative chemoradiotherapy does not increase surgical complications and has a marked impact in tumor downstaging.

Keywords : Rectal cancer; chemotherapy; radiotherapy.