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Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Rectal Cancer After Neoadjuvant Treatment: FOLFOX, 5-FU, or Observation

  • Localized Colorectal Cancer (RD Kim, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Colorectal Cancer Reports

Abstract

A multimodality approach incorporating concurrent chemotherapy with radiotherapy prior to surgery has become the standardized approach in the management of localized rectal cancer. However, it is unknown whether any further therapy after surgery may be beneficial in improving patient outcomes. Previous completed randomized clinical trials have not added any clarity in this regard, whether adjuvant chemotherapy or intensified chemotherapy regimens improve patient outcomes in those who have previously received neoadjuvant therapy. Despite the lack of evidence, based off the survival data in stage III colon cancer, adjuvant chemotherapy has become a standardized practice in the management of resected rectal cancer. Furthermore, recommendations include the consideration of added oxaliplatin to adjuvant therapy in this disease. While it is unclear whether all patients should receive adjuvant chemotherapy, a subset of patients, including those who achieve a pathologic response may benefit from further treatment. Ongoing studies utilizing an individualized, stepwise multimodality approach may define the role of adjuvant therapy and the appropriate regimen in patients with resected rectal cancer.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Hematology/Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, 5777 E Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, AZ, 85054, USA

    Daniel H. Ahn & Tanios Bekaii-Saab

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  1. Daniel H. Ahn
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  2. Tanios Bekaii-Saab
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Correspondence to Tanios Bekaii-Saab.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Localized Colorectal Cancer

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Ahn, D.H., Bekaii-Saab, T. Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Rectal Cancer After Neoadjuvant Treatment: FOLFOX, 5-FU, or Observation. Curr Colorectal Cancer Rep 12, 260–265 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11888-016-0332-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11888-016-0332-7

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