The purpose of this phase II trial is to determine the efficacy and safety of the combination of oxaliplatin, capecitabine and radiotherapy as preoperative therapy in locally advanced cancers of the rectum.

Inclusion Criteria:

• ECOG performance status score 0-1.

• Chemo-naïve patients.

• Histologically/cytologically confirmed diagnosis of rectal adenocarcinoma (clinically stage mT3 or mT4), either considered (1)inoperable, or (2)locally advanced, where histologically confirmed curative resection is considered unlikely.

• Evaluable measurable disease on imaging with MRI/CT to allow for response assessment.

• Adequate haematological, renal and liver functions as follows:

  • ANC > 3000ml
  • Platelet count > 100,000 ml
  • Urea & Serum Creatinine < 1.5 X upper limit of normal value
  • Total serum bilirubin < 1.5 X upper limit of normal value
  • ALT & AST < 3 X upper limit of normal value

Exclusion Criteria:

• Prior chemotherapy.
• Documented allergy to oxaliplatin or capecitabine.
• Prior radiotherapy to pelvis.
• Previous or concurrent malignancies at other sites with the exception of basal or squamous cell carcinoma of the skin.
• Pregnant or lactating females (with negative pregnancy test documentation in pre-menopausal female patients).
• Currently participating into another clinical trial with any investigational drug in the previous 30 days.

The above information is not intended to contain all considerations relevant to a patient's potential participation in a clinical trial.