Lapatinib-capecitabine versus capecitabine alone as radiosensitizers in RAS wild-type resectable rectal cancer an adaptive randomized phase II trial (LaRRC trial): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

摘要

BackgroundPreoperative radiochemotherapy followed by surgical removal of the rectum with total mesorectum excision is the preferred treatment option for stages II and III rectal cancer. However, development of metastatic disease is the main cause of death for these patients with 5-year disease-free survival rates of 56 %. Anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) targeted therapy is effective in metastatic rectal cancer, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2) signaling may mediate resistance to EGFR inhibitors. Moreover, preclinical data support a synergistic effect of EGFR inhibition with radiation therapy.