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Table 3 Randomized trials of preoperative RT compared to alternative treatments in rectal cancer.

From: The use of preoperative radiotherapy in the management of patients with clinically resectable rectal cancer: a practice guideline

Trial (Reference)

Treatment

No. Patients

Local Failure (%)

Survival Rate at 5 years (%)

 

Preoperative RT

Surgery Delay

Postoperative RT (Delay)

   

Pahlman & Glimelius [30]

5.1 Gy × 5

-

1 week

-

-

60 Gy in 54*

(4–6 weeks)

236

235

22%

33%

p = 0.012

43%

37%

p = 0.43

RTOG [31]

0.5 Gy × 1

-

1 day

-

45–51 Gy*

(2–6 weeks)

175

178

32%

32%

p = NS

43%

32%

p = NS

Herrmann et al. [32]

3.3 Gy × 5

-

1–2 days

-

41.5 Gy in 48*

59.8 Gy in 56*

(6–14 weeks)

48

46

25%

39%

p = 0.142

49%

37%

p = NS

EORTC [33]

2.3 × 15

2.3 × 15

+ 5-FU

2 weeks

2 weeks

-

-

121

126

15%

15%

p = NS

59%

46%

p = 0.06

Francois et al. [34]

3.0 Gy × 13

3.0 Gy × 13

2 weeks

6–8 weeks

-

-

99

102

9%

9%

p = NS

78%†

73%†

p = NS

  1. Note: NS indicates not statistically significant; RTOG, Radiation Therapy Oncology Group. * Radiation given only to high-risk cases (stages B2 and C). † 3-year survival rate.