TITLE:
Does Chemo-Radiation Therapy Influence Outcomes in Unresectable Locally Advanced State IV Rectal Cancer?
AUTHORS:
Joaquin J. Estrada, Vivek Chaudhry, Jose R. Cintron, Leela M. Prasad, Herand Abcarian
KEYWORDS:
Chemo-Radiation; Cancer
JOURNAL NAME:
Surgical Science,
Vol.3 No.10,
October
18,
2012
ABSTRACT: Introduction: The median survival for patients with stage IV rectal cancer is approximately 20 months. Therapy should focus not only on improving survival but also on quality of life. The aim of our study was to determine if chemoradiation (C-RT) would improve palliation for metastatic unresectable locally advanced disease compared to patients receiving palliative chemotherapy alone (C) for stage IV cancer. Methods: Retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database at a single institution was carried out under IRB approval. From January 2004 to December 2008, 43 patients presenting with unresectable stage IV rectal cancer were identified with a median follow-up of 12 months. Patients with evidence of locally advanced disease or bulky disease received infusional 5-FU ± bevacizumab and 3D conformed mega voltage photon therapy (5400 cGy). Patients without evidence of bulky disease received either FOLFOX or FOLFIRI ± bevacizumab. Data on demographics, investigations, treatment, complications, metastasis, number of blood transfusions, days of hospitalization, and surgical intervention were analyzed using SPSS statistical software. p