Induction chemotherapy followed by neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and surgery in locally advanced rectal cancer: preliminary results of a phase II study
PURPOSE: To report preliminary results of induction chemotherapy (IC) followed by neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) and surgery in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) patients.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is the preliminary evaluation of a phase II study. Patients with histologically proven rectal adenocarcinoma, stage II-III disease, who met the inclusion criteria, received induction FOLFOXIRI (5-FU, leucovorin, oxaliplatin and irinotecan) regimen in combination with targeted agents followed by CRT and surgery.