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Adjuvant postoperative accelerated hyperfractionated radiotherapy in rectal cancer: a feasibility study
P A Coucke1, J F Cuttat, R O Mirimanoff
1Department of Radiation-Oncology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, CHUV, Lausanne, Switzerland.
International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics
|November 15, 1993
Summary
Postoperative hyperfractionated accelerated radiotherapy for rectal cancer is feasible, showing acceptable acute toxicity. Most patients experienced mild intestinal side effects, with minimal severe bladder or skin toxicity observed.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiation Therapy
Background:
- Rectal cancer treatment often involves radiotherapy.
- Optimizing radiotherapy schedules is crucial for improving outcomes and minimizing side effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the acute toxicity and feasibility of postoperative hyperfractionated accelerated radiotherapy (HART) in rectal cancer patients.
- Assess the safety profile of a 3-week HART regimen.
Main Methods:
- Twenty rectal cancer patients received postoperative HART, totaling 48 Gy in 3 weeks.
- Treatment involved two 1.6 Gy fractions daily with at least a 6-hour interval, delivered via a four-field box technique.
- Acute toxicity (skin, bowel, bladder) was monitored weekly using standardized criteria.
Main Results:
- The HART regimen was well-tolerated, with all but one patient completing treatment as planned.
- No severe (grade 3 or 4) bladder toxicity was reported.
- The most common acute side effect was intestinal toxicity (14 patients), with only two experiencing grade 2 or higher.
Conclusions:
- Postoperative hyperfractionated accelerated radiotherapy is a feasible treatment option for rectal cancer regarding acute toxicity.
- The observed toxicity profile suggests this approach can be safely implemented.