Figure 1. Trial protocol.
Radiotherapy was given 5 days per week for 5 weeks (arrows) for a total of 45 Gy with a minimum boost of 5.4 Gy. Fluorouracil was given as a 225 mg/m2 per day continuous infusion for 7 days per week during radiation therapy for 5-6 weeks, depending on the number of radiation boosts given. mFOLFOX6 was given in 2-week cycles of leucovorin 200 mg/m2 or 400 mg/m2 and oxaliplatin 85 mg/m2 in a 2-h infusion, bolus fluorouracil 400 mg/m2 on day 1, and a 46-h infusion of fluorouracil 2400 mg/m2. *Interim assessments were done by proctoscopic examination; total mesorectal excision was done if the patient had stable or progressive disease.