Trial Testing Ftorafur (UFT) Associated With Neoadjuvant Radiotherapy Versus Radiotherapy Alone in Rectal Adenocarcinoma

Summary

RATIONALE: Drugs used in chemotherapy, such as 5-fluorouracil, work in different ways to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing and also as a radiosensibilisant. Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to kill tumor cells. 5-fluorouracil may make tumor cells more sensitive to radiation therapy. Oral 5-fluorouracil is more convenient for ambulatory patients. Giving UFT (Tegafur and Uracil) with radiation therapy before surgery may shrink the tumor so it can be removed. PURPOSE: This phase III trial is studying how well giving UFT with radiation therapy works in treating patients who are undergoing surgery for operable rectal cancer.

Timeline

Start

2004-07

Primary completion

2007-06

Completion

2008-02

Drugs

Indications