Oxaliplatin, Capecitabine, and Radiation Therapy in Treating Patients With Locally Advanced Cancer of the Rectum
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2010-05-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
RATIONALE: Drugs used in chemotherapy, such as oxaliplatin and capecitabine, work in
different ways to stop tumor cells from dividing so they stop growing or die. Radiation
therapy uses high-energy x-rays to damage tumor cells. Oxaliplatin and capecitabine may make
tumor cells more sensitive to radiation therapy and may kill more tumor cells. Giving
chemotherapy with radiation therapy before surgery may shrink the tumor so that it can be
removed.
PURPOSE: This phase I/II trial is studying the side effects and best dose of oxaliplatin and
capecitabine when given together with radiation therapy and to see how well they work in
treating patients who are undergoing surgery for locally advanced cancer of the rectum. NOTE:
*The phase I portion of this trial closed 06/2005. The best dose of oxaliplatin and
capecitabine has been determined.