Short-course preoperative radiation therapy for operable rectal cancer

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Radiotherapy
• Surgical Oncology

Background:

• Short course neoadjuvant radiation improves local control in rectal cancer.
• Hypofractionated radiotherapy use is limited in North America due to toxicity concerns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of short course preoperative radiotherapy for operable rectal cancer in a general population.

Main Methods:

• Patients with locally advanced rectal carcinoma received 25 Gy in five fractions to the posterior pelvis.
• Definitive surgery was performed within 2 weeks.
• Retrospective analysis of 63 patients treated between 1991 and 1998.

Main Results:

• 97% of patients achieved R0 resection.
• Local recurrence occurred in 5% of patients.
• Five-year overall and relapse-free survival rates were 71% and 69%, respectively.
• Postoperative complications occurred in 18% of patients.

Conclusions:

• Short course preoperative radiotherapy is feasible for operable rectal cancer in a general population.
• High pelvic control rates can be achieved with this treatment.
• The toxicity profile is acceptable.