Advanced rectal cancer

Abstract

We present the case of a 42-year-old male patient treated for advanced rectal cancer. The treatment was initiated with capecitabine monotherapy with palliative intent, but in view of a dramatic progression during the fourth week of treatment cycle, chemotherapy regimen was changed to FOLFIRI (irinotecan, leucovorin, fluorouracil - 48 hours continuous infusion). By the end of the first treatment cycle a marked improvement was observed. Due to the aggressive course of disease we decided to change the chemotherapy regimen to IFL (irinotecan, leucovorin, fluorouracil - bolus) with bevacizumab. The patient's general condition improved markedly and all his symptoms resolved along with a partial objective response (80% regression of the lung lesions was observed on CT scan - partial remission). A spectacular response to chemotherapy regimen administered should be underlined.