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Clin Colon Rectal Surg 2003; 16(4): 243-248
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-815615
Copyright © 2002 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

Neoadjuvant Radiotherapy for Non-Fixed Rectal Cancer: The Logical Choice

Thomas E. Read
  • Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Western Pennsylvania Hospital, Clinical Campus of Temple University School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Publication History

Publication Date:
12 January 2004 (online)

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ABSTRACT

The inaccuracy of our current pretreatment staging methods, the better efficacy and lower toxicity of neoadjuvant radiotherapy as compared with postoperative radiotherapy, and the additive effect of meticulous surgical technique and radiotherapy make the treatment of patients with non-fixed, uT3N0 rectal adenocarcinoma with neoadjuvant radiotherapy the logical choice. The use of short-course radiotherapy (2000 to 2500 cGy in 5 fractions) may be the best option for the majority of these patients.

KEYWORDS

Rectal cancer - radiotherapy

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