Results of preoperative intraluminal brachytherapy combined with radical surgery for middle and lower rectal carcinomas

Radiation therapy in the treatment of rectal carcinoma has received attention. We attempted to learn whether preoperative intraluminal brachytherapy (IBT) gives an advantage in local control and/or prolongation of survival.

One hundred and fifteen patients with middle and lower rectal carcinoma with penetration into or through the rectal wall were consecutively treated with preoperative IBT and radical operation. Patients were divided into the moderate-dose group (group A: 16-40 Gy; n = 96) and the high-dose group (group B: 40-80 Gy; n = 19). A control group of 115 rectal carcinoma patients who received no radiation prior to radical surgery was compared (group C).

The rate of sphincter-saving resection was 72% in group A, 63% in group B, and 42% in group C (group A vs. group C; P < 0.0001). The local recurrence rate at 5 years was 11% in group A, 6% in group B, and 26% in group C (group A vs. group C; P = 0.005). The 5-year survival rate was similar among the three groups.

These results suggested that IBT contributed to the improvement of local control but not survival after radical resection of rectal carcinomas. The application of IBT might be useful in preserving the intestinal continuity for rectal carcinomas.