Neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy using infusional gemcitabine in locally advanced rectal cancer: A phase II trial.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Gemcitabine is a well-known radiosensitizer. Herein, we tested the efficacy and toxicity of preoperative concurrent infusional gemcitabine and radiotherapy in locally advanced rectal cancer.

Patients and methods

This was a phase II, single-arm trial. Eligible patients had a diagnosis of rectal adenocarcinoma with clinical stage T3-T4 and/or nodal involvement, age ≥18 years, and no prior chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Patients received preoperative radiation at a dose of 50.4-54 Gy over 28 days with concurrent infusional gemcitabine administered at a dose of 100 mg/m² over the course of 24 h weekly for 6 weeks. The primary endpoint was pathological complete response (pCR).

Results

Forty patients were recruited. Only one patient did not complete t

SUBMITTER: Bazarbashi S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9119355 | biostudies-literature | 2022 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature