Preoperative treatment with capecitabine, bevacizumab and radiotherapy for primary locally advanced rectal cancer - A two stage phase II clinical trial

After interim analysis of feasibility and tolerability, accrual was terminated according to protocol due to ⩾grade 3 toxicities in 50% of patients. Complete pathological response was seen in 25% of patients but was accompanied by considerable toxicity. Further clinical trials are needed to clarify the role of bevacizumab in this setting.