[A case of pathological complete response with neoadjuvant XELOX chemotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer]

A 70-year-old man presenting with melena was referred to our clinic. A clinical examination revealed a bulky tumor in the lower rectum. After ileostomy, 4 courses of capecitabine plus oxaliplatin (XELOX) therapy were administered as neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Computed tomography (CT) revealed significant reduction of the tumor. Laparoscopic super-low anterior resection with lateral lymph node dissection was performed. The pathological examination revealed no residual cancer cells, and a diagnosis of pathological complete response was made. The patient has been disease-free for 1 year after the operation. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy with XELOX might be promising for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer.