All patients underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy with platinum, fluorouracil, and/or irinotecan. The chemotherapy regimen was determined by the oncologist, surgeon, and patient based on the expected tumour response considering the recommendations and data in the literature [8 (link), 11 (link)]. In line with these recommendations, patients received a total of 12 cycles. Adjuvant chemotherapy was performed after the rectal surgery in case of incomplete treatment.
In our department, preoperative CRT is indicated for patients with T3 and/or N + staged adenocarcinomas of the lower and middle rectum as well as ultra-low T2 tumours on the initial rectal MRI. Patients received preoperative normo-fractioned CRT (45–50 Gy in 25 fractions combined with capecitabine) [12 (link)]. Short-course radiotherapy was limited to patients with favourable lesions (small size with predictive circumferential margin (CRM) > 2 mm) or unfit patients [13 (link)].
In our department, preoperative CRT is indicated for patients with T3 and/or N + staged adenocarcinomas of the lower and middle rectum as well as ultra-low T2 tumours on the initial rectal MRI. Patients received preoperative normo-fractioned CRT (45–50 Gy in 25 fractions combined with capecitabine) [12 (link)]. Short-course radiotherapy was limited to patients with favourable lesions (small size with predictive circumferential margin (CRM) > 2 mm) or unfit patients [13 (link)].
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