Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Versus Standard Treatment in Patients With Locally Advanced Colon Cancer

The purpose of this study is to compare 3 cycles of neoadjuvant (preoperative) chemotherapy + operation with the standard treatment of locally advanced colon cancer, which is operation + 8 cycles of (adjuvant) chemotherapy. Patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy may not need adjuvant chemotherapy after the operation and, if this is the case, they will be spared of 5 cycles of chemotherapy.

Inclusion Criteria: * Histologically verified locally advanced T3 (ETI \> 5 mm) or T4 colon cancer assessed by CT scan. * Age ≥ 18 years * PS 0-2. * Hematology ANC ≥1.5x10\^9/l. Thrombocytes ≥ 100x10\^9/l. * Biochemistry Bilirubinemia ≤ 3 x upper normal level. ALAT ≤ 5 x upper normal value * Consent to translational research * Fertile women must present a negative pregnancy test and use secure contraceptives during and 3 months after treatment. * Written and orally informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with distant metastases. * Acute operation * Clinically significant cardiovascular disease (incl. myocardial infarction, unstable angina, symptomatic congestive heart failure, serious uncontrolled cardiac arrhythmia) ≤ 1 year before inclusion. * Active, serious infection or other serious disease. * Peripheral neuropathy NCI grade \> 1 * Other malignant disease within 5 years prior to study enrollment, except basocellular or squamous skin cancer and carcinoma in situ cervicis uteri. * Other investigational treatment within 30 days prior to treatment start. * Hypersensitivity to one or more of the active or auxiliary substances.