[Conservative treatment of anal cancer. Retrospective results--radiotherapy]

The results of primary radiotherapy in anal carcinoma are reported in a retrospective study. Fourteen patients have been treated by primary radiotherapy between 1970 and 1982. The three-year survival rate is 11/14 (corrected: 11/12). Among eleven patients followed up, ten have a normal anal function. The importance of radio-oncology as a therapy of choice in conservative, function-preserving treatment of the anal carcinoma is discussed regarding the retrospective results as well as possible combinations of radiotherapy and chemotherapy.