Phase-2 study of neoadjuvant chemoradiation in locally advanced rectal adenocarcinoma: The Radio-Xelox study

Abstract

13549 Background: Neoadjuvant Radiation treatment has been shown in many studies to decrease the incidence of loco-regional relapse in pts with locally-advanced Rectal Adenocarcinoma. Capecitabine and Oxaliplatin are both effective antineoplastic drugs in Colorectal Adenocarcinoma. They also have radiosensitizing effects. Hence,it is rational to combine these agents in association with radiotherapy,to achieve local controle and prevent systemic spread of the cancer. Methods: Thirty-eight pts with Rectal Adenocarcinoma (T3-T4 and/or N+) received radiation treatment (2.0 Gy, 5days a wk over 5 wks,total dose 50 Gy) plus oral Capecitabine at 600 mg/m2 twice a day and iv Oxaliplatin at 35 mg/m2 once weekly × 5wks. Surgery was performed 6wks post completion of XRT. Our end points were safety/feasibility and response/efficacy as demonstrable by the rate of pathologic complete remission (path-CR). Results: Seven pts (20%) acheived path-CR. Diarrhea was the most important severe adverse effect (in 25% of pts). fourteen pts (40%) showed good regression (very few cancer cells in fibronecrotic tissue Dworak grade 3). The remaining 17 pts showed less favorable regression or no significant change. Conclusions: Preoperative Radiation treatment plus chemotherapy with XELOX regimen is feasible, safe and effective with an impressive rate of path-CR in locoregionally advanced Rectal Adenocarcinoma. No significant financial relationships to disclose.