Preoperative treatment with capecitabine, cetuximab and radiotherapy for primary locally advanced rectal cancer--a phase II clinical trial.

BACKGROUND/AIM: To investigate the feasibility and safety of preoperative capecitabine, cetuximab and radiation in patients with MRI-defined locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC, cT3/T4).

PATIENTS AND METHODS: 31 patients with LARC were treated with cetuximab and capecitabine concomitantly with 45 Gy radiotherapy and resected by total mesorectal excision. Histopathological response and association with KRAS status was evaluated.

RESULTS: R0-resection was possible in 27 of 31 (86%) patients. No complete pathological remission was observed. Radiochemotherapy with capecitabine and cetuximab was safe to administer and diarrhea was the main toxicity. KRAS-status did not correlate to down-staging or pathological response concerning T- or N-stage.

CONCLUSION: Neoadjuvant therapy with capecitabine and cetuximab in combination with radiotherapy did not lead to complete pathological remission. Treatment tolerability was excellent and toxicity remained low. KRAS status did not influence treatment outcomes. Capecitabine in combination with radiotherapy remains a standard therapy for locally advanced rectal cancer.