Table 3.
Randomized studies comparing short-course radiation therapy versus long-course chemoradiation therapy.
| Studies, references, and treatment regimens |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polish Colorectal Cancer Group47 |
Trans-Tasman Radiation Oncology Group48 |
|||
| Five 5-Gy fractions + TME | 50.4 Gy with 5FU bolus + TME | Five 5-Gy fractions + TME 6 cycles adj CT | 50.4 Gy with 5FU ci + TME 4 cycles adj CT | |
| No. of patients | 155 | 157 | 163 | 163 |
| Follow-up time (years) | 4 | 5.9 | ||
| Local failure rate | 9% | 14.2% | 7.5% | 4.4% |
| Disease-free survival rate | 58% | 55% | 73% | 70% |
| Overall survival rate | 67% | 62% | 74% | 70% |
| Grade 3–4 small or large bowel toxicity | 3.2% | 5.1% | ||
| Grade 3–4 late toxicity | 10.1% | 7.1% | 5.8% | 8.2% |
Abbreviations: 5FU, fluorouracil; TME, total mesorectal excision; ci, continuous infusion; CT, chemotherapy.