The purpose of this protocol is to compare neoadjuvant chemoradiation plus consolidation chemotherapy before surgical resection with the standard neoadjuvant chemoradiation followed by surgical resection and adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with rectal cancer.
Histologically confirmed rectal adenocarcinoma
cT3, cT4, threatened CRM / MRF, EMVI (+), ≥N1
Multidisciplinary tumor board decision for neoadjuvant treatment
Tumor distance from the anal verge <15 cm based on endoscopy or magnetic resonance imaging
Distant metastases
Non-resectable cancer
Contraindications for the administration of chemotherapy
Previous pelvic radiotherapy or chemotherapy