Results of postoperative treatment of colorectal cancer by radiotherapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

Abstract

Adjuvant therapy was given to patients with colorectal cancer stage Duke's B2 and C. The 53 patients were randomized and stratified after surgery. One arm received radiotherapy and chemotherapy and the other radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and MER. The survival and disease-free interval up to 2 years were longer and better in the radiochemo-MER arm. It is too early to conclude whether this combination increases the cure rate or delays the appearance of metastases. The time interval between the cytotoxic therapy and the immunotherapy and the dose of the immunotherapeutic agent is very important for the success of the combination therapy. Further follow-up is necessary and more patients need to be entered into the trial.