Study on 3-Year Disease-Free Survival in Patients with Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer Treated with Chemoradiation and Surgery or Non-Surgical Management

Inclusion Criteria

• Diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the rectum.
• Cancer is at Stage II or III based on MRI results.
• Tumor requires complete surgical removal.
• No signs of cancer spread to other parts of the body.
• No previous radiation therapy to the pelvic area.
• No prior chemotherapy or surgery for rectal cancer.
• Age 18 or older (19 in some Canadian provinces).
• No active infections needing systemic antibiotics (oral antibiotics may be allowed).
• Good overall health with an ECOG performance status of 0 to 2.
• Women of childbearing potential must test negative for pregnancy and agree to use effective birth control.
• Must be able to read, agree to, and sign an informed consent form.
• Meet specific blood test criteria for white blood cells, hemoglobin, platelets, and liver function.

Exclusion Criteria

• Recurrent rectal cancer.
• Tumors that cannot be surgically removed.
• High creatinine levels indicating kidney issues.
• Previous pelvic radiation therapy.
• Inability to undergo an MRI.
• Recent history of arterial blood clots or heart-related events.
• History of blood clots more than six months ago may be eligible if on stable anticoagulant therapy.
• Cannot receive other cancer treatments or experimental therapies during the study.
• Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or not using effective birth control.
• Other medical or psychiatric conditions that may interfere with the study.
• History of another cancer within the past five years, except for certain skin or cervical cancers.