Five fractions of preoperative radiotherapy for selected cases of rectal cancer

Abstract

In locally advanced colorectal cancer, combined modality treatment is a standard adjuvant therapy in USA and Europe. The basic issue of the timing of radiotherapy and chemotherapy and preoperative radio-chemotherapy versus postoperative radio-chemotherapy is being addressed in prospective trials. Preoperative radiotherapy proved that causes more radiosensitivity due to that oxygen tension within the tumour may be higher prior to surgery. Technically, there are two approaches of preoperative radiotherapy. The aim of this article is to report the inclusion criteria, indications, advantages and results of short course preoperative radiotherapy.