An evaluation of the efficacy of postoperative irradiation in rectal adenocarcinoma.

ABSTRACT

Cancer of the colon and rectum is the second most common form of cancer in the United States. Although surgery is the primary treatment for rectal cancer, the overall 5-year survival approximates 50%. Pelvic failure rates and their associated morbidity have led to the use of postoperative irradiation, either alone or combined with chemotherapy. We reviewed 77 consecutive patients treated with postoperative irradiation to the pelvis following curative surgery. The prognosis is dependent on surgical stage and histologic grade. The minimal decrease in local recurrence in this study is offset by treatment-related small bowel injury. A subset of patients who may benefit from adjuvant treatment is yet to be defined.