The Effects of Preoperative Chemoradiation Therapy in Pectal Cancer

ABSTRACT

To evaluate the effects of the preoperative chemoradiation therapy(CRT) for rectal cancer. 31 rectal cancer patients received preoperative CRT. A total 3060cGy of radiation was given in 3 weeks, 180cGy for a fraction. 425mg/m2/day of 5-FU and 20mg/m2/day of leucovorin were continuously infused in the first 5 days of the preoperative radiation therapy. A IV injection of Mitomycin C 10mg/m2 was given on the first day. A digital rectal examination, endoscopy with biopsy, barium enema, chest X-ray, hepatobiliary ultrasonography & IV bolus CT were done before and after CRT. Clinically, 19 patients(61.3%) and pathologically, 16 patients(51.6%) showed reduced tumor size. In 7 patients (22.6%), there was no residual tumor in the pathologic specimen. Digital rectal examination was possible in 23 patients. 16(69.5%) of them had a decrease in height of ulcer margin on digital rectal examination. Seven of the fifteen patients showed decreased perirectal fat tissue infiltration. There was no severe toxicity which might delay the curative surgery. In conclusion, preoperative chemoradiation therapy in rectal cancer was very effective in reducing tumor size and perirectal fat tissue infiltration without considerable toxicity.