[Comparison of surgical therapy and combined irradiation in rectal cancer--second report. Effect of irradiation and ACNU on the tumor].

As part of a joint study on preoperative radiotherapy for developing an optimal mode of rectal cancer therapy, ACNU sensitization was studied in a total of 120 cases, with the cooperation of 48 facilities participating nationwide. The following results were obtained. Improvement in depth of invasion was more distinct in the combination preoperative therapy-ACNU group than in the preoperative radiotherapy group, with no other significant differences between the two. This finding suggests that dose and administration method could be improved. White blood cells and platelets were reduced in some cases of the ACNU combination group, but these reductions were not serious enough to impede surgical procedures. In addition, no significant difference in complications was noted between the two.