TRIAL DATA
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy alone may be as effective as chemoradiation for some rectal cancers — Journal of Clinical Oncology
The phase III CONVERT trial compared neoadjuvant chemotherapy (CAPOX — capecitabine plus oxaliplatin) with traditional chemoradiation for locally advanced rectal cancer patients whose tumors haven't invaded the mesorectal fascia (the tissue layer surrounding the rectum). Final results show that chemotherapy alone may spare patients from radiation side effects while achieving similar outcomes. This challenges the standard practice of always using radiation before surgery for locally advanced rectal cancer.
What this means
If you have rectal cancer that hasn't spread to the mesorectal fascia, you may be able to avoid radiation therapy and its long-term side effects (such as bowel dysfunction and sexual problems) while still receiving effective treatment. Ask your care team whether chemotherapy alone might be an option for your specific tumor.