Capecitabine Combined with Three-dimensional Conformal Radiotherapy for Treating Elderly Patients with Local Advanced Rectal Cancer

Objective To explore the clinical efficacy and safety of capecitabine combined three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy in the treatment of elderly patients with local advanced rectal cancer. Methods Total 58 elderly patients with local advanced rectal cancer confirmed by pathology,were randomly divided into treatment group( n = 33) and control group( n =25). The patients in treatment group received three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy and capecitabine administration with a dosage of 1 650 mg /( m2·d) [oral with two doses]from the first to fourteen day,every 3 weeks for a cycle,wihle the patients in control group were only received radiotherapy. All patients received whole pelvic radiation with a dose of 46 to 50 Gy in 23 to 25 fractions,then reduced field to tumor region with a boost of 14 to 18 Gy in 7 to 9 fractions. The efficacy and adverse reactions were evaluated after 3 months,the survival state was followed up for 2 years. Results The recent efficiency,local recurrence rate in 2 years,distant metastasis rate and survival rate were 75. 76%,33. 33%,30. 30%,66. 67% in treatment group,were 52. 00%,52. 00%,56. 00%,44. 00% in control group,respectively. The local recurrence rate and side reaction did not show significant difference( P 0. 05),but the recent efficiency,distant metastasis rate and survival rate were obviously difference between two groups( P 0. 05). Conclusion Concurrent chemoradiotherapy can be tolerated by elderly patients with local advanced rectal cancer,moreover,the curative effect is better than single radiotherapy.