A 72-year-old woman undergoes anterior resection for a rectal cancer located 7 cm proximal to the anal verge. Pathologic examination of the resected specimen reveals invasion of the tumor into the muscularis propria. Five of 8 lymph nodes contain microscopic tumor. There is no evidence of disseminated disease. Appropriate subsequent management includes which of the following?
A. Postoperative radiation plus intravenous 5FU
B. Postoperative radiation alone
C. Observation
D. Postoperative radiation plus intravenous adriamycin
Answer:A
A 72-year-old woman undergoes anterior resection for a rectal cancer located 7 cm proximal to the anal verge. Pathologic examination of the resected specimen reveals invasion of the tumor into the muscularis propria. Five of 8 lymph nodes contain microscopic tumor. There is no evidence of disseminated disease. Appropriate subsequent management includes which of the following?
A. Postoperative radiation plus intravenous 5FU B. Postoperative radiation alone C. Observation D. Postoperative radiation plus intravenous adriamycin