Abstract
Background: Total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer is a major operation, associated with morbidity and mortality. For older or inoperable patients alternatives are necessary. This study evaluated the functional and oncological outcome, and quality of life of older or inoperable rectal cancer patients treated with a contact x-ray brachytherapy boost to avoid major surgery.
Highlights
The mainstay in rectal cancer treatment is total mesorectal excision, in intermediate or locally advanced rectal cancer combined with neoadjuvantradiotherapy [1]. this combined approach results in good oncological outcome, total mesorectal excision is associated with the risk of surgical morbidity and mortality [2]
Fifteen patients (79%) were neoadjuvant treated with radiotherapy, four patients (21%) with local excision
After a median interval of 3 months following neoadjuvant therapy, patients were treated with contact X-ray brachytherapy
Summary
The mainstay in rectal cancer treatment is total mesorectal excision, in intermediate or locally advanced rectal cancer combined with neoadjuvant (chemo)radiotherapy [1]. This combined approach results in good oncological outcome, total mesorectal excision is associated with the risk of surgical morbidity and mortality [2]. Long-term bowel dysfunction is commonly observed after total mesorectal excision, especially when combined with neoadjuvant (chemo)radiotherapy, resulting in impaired quality of life of rectal cancer patients [3,4]. Thereby, bowel dysfunction associated with total mesorectal excision can be troublesome for older patients and may result in loss of independence, affecting the quality of life
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