439 Background: This study is a retrospective analysis to investigate the efficiency of short-course preoperative radiotherapy following standardized total mesorectal excision (TME) for locally advanced rectal cancer. Methods: Clinical data of locally advanced mid-low rectal cancer who received TME in Beijing Cancer Hospital from 2001 to 2005 were collected retrospectively. Survival analysis was performed between patients who had TME following short-course preoperative radiotherapy (biological equivalent dose: 36Gy) or TME alone at the corresponding period. Results: Two hundred and sixty-three patients were eligible for analysis including 101 patients who received TME plus preoperative radiotherapy (PRT group) and 162 patients with TME alone (TME group). The occurrence of TNM downstaging in PRT group was 49.5%, including five percent who had complete response. The local reccurence rate was 4% in PRT group and 8.4% in TME group, with statistically different (p=0.04). An significant improved 5-year overall survival and disease-free survival was obtained in PRT group comparing with TME group (77.2% vs. 69.8%, p=0.04; 76.2% vs. 67.3%, p=0.03). Conclusions: Improved local control and survival benefits could be achieved by short-course preoperative radiotherapy on the basis of standardized TME for locally advanced rectal cancer. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Preoperative radiotherapy "short course" in rectal cancer in elder patient: low impact on tumor regression
