Preoperative Chemoradiotherapy With Capecitabine Plus Irinotecan in Rectal Cancer

Inclusion Criteria:

• Histologically confirmed adenocarcinoma of the rectum
• Distal margin of tumor located from 0 to 8 cm from anal verge
• Tumor must be clinically resectable by surgery and R0 resection must be most likely
• ECOG performance status 0-2
• No prior chemotherapy, radiotherapy to pelvis, and immunotherapy
• Adequate organ functions
• Patients must sign an informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Malignant disease of the rectum other than adenocarcinoma or arisen from chronic inflammatory bowel disease
• Any unresected synchronous colon cancer
• Any distant metastasis
• Intestinal obstruction or impending obstruction, but decompressing colostomy is permitted
• Any previous or concurrent malignancy other than non-melanoma skin cancer or in situ cancer of uterine cervix
• Any other morbidity or situation with contraindication for chemoradiotherapy
• Patients have history of significant gastric or small bowel resection, or malabsorption syndrome, or other lack of integrity of the upper gastrointestinal tract that may compromise the absorption of capecitabine
• Pregnant or lactating women or patients of childbearing potential not practicing adequate contraception