Endoluminal radiotherapy for rectal tumors

The present study was performed to evaluate local tumor control and side effects of endoluminal radiotherapy given to patients with rectal tumors. Twelve patients with adenocarcinoma and 10 patients with villous/adenovillous adenomas were treated with curative intent from 1989 to 1995. The majority of patients were of advanced age and in poor medical condition, and had previously been found unable to undergo radical surgery or colostomy. Three patients had tumor remains following radiotherapy, they successfully received local surgery (n = 2) or an iridium implant (n = 1) as second-line treatment. Two patients (adenomas) later experienced a local relapse. No serious side effects were observed. We conclude that endoluminal radiotherapy is an efficacious option for patients with malignant or premalignant tumors in the lower rectum who are in poor medical condition.