The current status of intraoperative radiotherapy in colorectal surgery

Colorectal cancer is the second most common malignancy in Singapore and its incidence is increasing. Results of surgery have been augmented in selected cases by the addition of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. This standard approach only offers palliation in locally advanced and locally recurrent cancers. Newer modalities and combinations are currently being investigated to improve the results in this particular group of patients. One such modality is the use of intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT). This paper discusses the rationale for using IORT, the patient selection, method of delivery and treatment, tolerance and results in centers which have been using IORT as part of a multi-modality therapy for colorectal cancer.