XELAC RT

XELAC RT is a neoadjuvant treatment regimen for locally advanced rectal cancer, specifically evaluated in the INTERACT trial led by the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart. The regimen combines the oral chemotherapy agent capecitabine with intensified radiotherapy. Capecitabine, a prodrug of 5-fluorouracil, acts as an antimetabolite that interferes with DNA synthesis by inhibiting thymidylate synthase. The radiotherapy component utilizes a concomitant boost technique, delivering 45 Gy to the pelvis plus an additional 10 Gy boost to the primary tumor site, totaling 55 Gy. Clinical results from the INTERACT trial demonstrated that the XELAC regimen achieved significantly higher major pathological response rates (61.7%) compared to the XELOX regimen (capecitabine plus oxaliplatin and standard radiotherapy, 52.3%).

Other names

XELACcapecitabine plus intensified radiotherapy