A case of recurrent rectal cancer with paraaortic lymph node metastasis treated by FOLFIRI therapy leading to complete response

A 56-year-old woman was referred to our hospital because of melena. After examinations she was diagnosed with rectal cancer. Anterior resection was performed and the final diagnosis was Stage IIIa. She was treated with adjuvant chemotherapy consisting of UFT/Uzel for one year, followed by UFT alone for one year. Two years after the surgery, abdominal CT suggested solitary paraaortic lymph node metastasis. As the patient denied a surgical treatment, mFOLFOX6 chemotherapy was induced. However, the patient developed a grade 3 allergic side effect, FOLFIRI was administered. Six months after the chemotherapy was started, the paraaortic lymph node metastasis had disappeared. After 50 courses, the case was considered to have achieved a clinical CR which has been maintained now. FOLFIRI was effective for recurrent rectal cancer with paraaortic LN metastasis.