Radiation Therapy Plus Chemotherapy Followed by Surgery in Treating Patients With Locally Advanced Cancer of the Rectum

RATIONALE: Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to damage tumor cells. Drugs used in chemotherapy use different ways to stop tumor cells from dividing so they stop growing or die. It is not yet known which regimen of radiation therapy plus chemotherapy is more effective for rectal cancer.
PURPOSE: Randomized phase II trial to compare two regimens of radiation therapy plus chemotherapy followed by surgery in treating patients who have locally advanced cancer of the rectum.