Incorporating neoadjuvant chemotherapy into locally advanced colon cancer treatment pathways: real life experience of implementing FOxTROT

Aim The international FOxTROT trial, recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology is the first randomized controlled trial testing neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) with oxaliplatin and 5-fluorouracil in locally advanced, but operable, colon cancer. The trial met its primary endpoint with fewer patients experiencing recurrent or residual disease at 2 years with NAC compared with the control (16.8% vs. 21.2%, risk ratio = 0.74, p = 0.042). Translating the findings of the FOxTROT trial into improved patient outcomes is dependent on implementation of new neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) pathways in colorectal cancer.

Method We describe our experience implementing a novel neoadjuvant treatment pathway in colorectal cancer at a large UK teaching hospital.

Results To date 64 patients have been commenced on the novel pathway following presentation and adoption of the FOxTROT trial results. We present key lessons and strategies developed across the multidisciplinary team to minimize impact on person hours, service capacity and budget, whilst building patient safety and confidence.

Conclusion Use of NAC for locally advanced colon cancer has been shown to improve surgical outcomes and longer term cancer outcomes. Provision of NAC requires some modifications to current treatment pathways but can be delivered with team working and without the requirement for additional resources.