Short-term Radiation Therapy for Rectal Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): J Widder, F Herbst, W Dobrowsky, R Schmid, B Pokrajac, B Jech, C Chiari, A Stift, A Maier, J Karner-Hanusch, B Teleky, F Wrba, R Jakesz, R Poetter
Primary Institution: Medical University of Vienna
Hypothesis
To evaluate the feasibility, effectiveness, and long-term bowel function of preoperative hyperfractionated accelerated radiotherapy in primary resectable rectal cancer.
Conclusion
The study found that short-term preoperative radiation therapy resulted in excellent local control and satisfactory bowel function after more than 5 years.
Supporting Evidence
- The actuarial 4-year local recurrence rate was 2.1%.
- Overall survival for 4 years was 68%.
- Postoperative mortality was 0.5%.
Takeaway
Doctors used a special kind of radiation therapy before surgery for rectal cancer, and it worked really well without causing many problems later.
Methodology
184 patients with rectal adenocarcinoma received preoperative pelvic radiation therapy with 2.5 Gy twice daily for a total of 25 Gy within 1 week, followed by surgery.
Limitations
The study did not have a control group without radiotherapy for comparison.
Participant Demographics
Median age 65 years, 65% male, 35% female.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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