[Neoadjuvant and adjuvant radiochemotherapy for rectal carcinoma].

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Radiation Oncology
• Medical Oncology

Background:

• Standard treatment for resectable clinical stages II and III tumors involves neoadjuvant radio(chemo)therapy.
• Recent advancements have focused on improving adjuvant therapeutic results through enhanced radiation techniques and chemotherapy protocols.
• Continuous infusion of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) during adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) has demonstrated improved outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current standard treatments for resectable tumors in clinical stages II and III.
• To highlight advancements in neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapeutic strategies.
• To discuss the ongoing clinical evaluation of novel cytostatic drugs and antibodies for perioperative therapy.

Main Methods:

• Review of current standard treatments and recent advancements in radio(chemo)therapy.
• Analysis of the impact of improved radiation techniques and chemotherapy regimens.
• Summary of ongoing clinical trials for new therapeutic agents.

Main Results:

• Neoadjuvant radio(chemo)therapy remains the standard for resectable stages II and III tumors.
• Chemotherapy (CT) with continuous infusion of 5-FU during adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) has led to significant improvements in therapeutic results.
• New cytostatic drugs and antibodies are under active clinical investigation for perioperative treatment.

Conclusions:

• Continuous infusion 5-FU during adjuvant RT enhances treatment efficacy for resectable tumors.
• The field is evolving with ongoing research into novel agents for perioperative cancer therapy.
• Further clinical testing is crucial to establish the role of new drugs and antibodies in treatment protocols.