ABSTRACT
Surgical curative resection of locally advanced colorectal cancer [stage B2 and C] is unfortunately followed by high risk of recurrent malignancies. Ultimate control requires effective adjuvant therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate efficiency of two regimens of modulation of adjuvant 5 fluorouracil [5 FU] by folinic acid versus interferon after surgical resection of locally advanced colorectal carcinoma. 105 patients with histologically proven colorectal carcinoma [stage B2 and C only] were included in this study. Patients were subjected to surgical treatment with operative resection followed by randomization into 3 groups, each of 35 patients. Group A received 5 FU alone, group B received in addition calcium leucovarin [L V], while group C received interferon in addition to 5 FU. Patients were followed up for a median of three years. All groups were comparable as regard age, sex, histological type, stage and clinical presentation. Three years overall and disease- free survival were relatively higher in patients of group B and C, that received 5 FU modulators. Also recurrence rate was less in group B and C than in group A, but not reaching a significant level. The clinical stage of the disease was the most important prognostic factor followed by the histopathological differentiation of the tumour. Most of patients tolerated chemotherapy with transient mild to moderate degree toxicities. Hematological and gastro intestinal toxicities were comparable in the 3 groups in group C there was mild toxicities related to interferon