Upfront chemotherapy and short-course radiotherapy with delayed surgery for locally advanced rectal cancer with synchronous liver metastases

Abstract Background The optimal treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer with synchronous liver metastases remains controversial. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and oncologic outcomes of upfront chemotherapy and short-course radiotherapy with delayed surgery in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer and synchronous liver metastases. Methods Forty-four patients who underwent upfront chemotherapy and short-course radiotherapy with delayed surgery for locally advanced rectal cancer (cT3/4, Results At the time of initial diagnosis, 20 patients had Conclusion Upfront chemotherapy and short-course radiotherapy with delayed surgery appear to be safe and effective in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer and synchronous liver metastases without substantially increasing treatment induced morbidity.