ADJUVANT THERAPY FOR RECTAL-CANCER - RESULTS AND CONTROVERSIES

During the past decane, advances have been made in the adjuvant treatm ent of resectable rectal cancer. Postoperative combined-modality thera py significantly improves local control and survival. Recent Intergrou p postoperative trials have focused on the identification of optimal c hemotherapeutic agents and their method of administration. Preoperativ e therapy has the potential advantages of producing less acute toxicit y and increasing the likelihood of sphincter preservation. New chemoth erapeutic agents and radiation techniques are active areas of investig ation.