[New treatment strategies for patients with primary non-resectable rectal cancer].

INTRODUCTION

Patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) have a poor prognosis. Preoperative radiotherapy may shrink the tumour and make subsequent resection possible. The use of modern principles of preoperative radiotherapy in combination with chemotherapy and an active surgical attitude increases the chance for radical surgery and cure.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A single-institution, prospective evaluation of a new treatment strategy in patients with LARC was done.

RESULTS

From 1998 to 2000, 20 patients with LARC were treated with high-dose radiochemotherapy (60 Gy and chemotherapy, UFT/leucovorin), and resectability was evaluated four to six weeks after termination of radiochemotherapy. Sixty percent of the patients subsequently had microscopic radical surgery.

CONCLUSION

Patients with LARC should preferably be treated with high-dose preoperative radiotherapy in combination with chemotherapy. Evaluation of resectability should be performed at least four weeks after termination of radiotherapy. This strategy, in combination with modern surgical techniques, increases the probability of success of radical surgery and cure.