Radiation induced toxicity in rectal cancer patients

Abstract

Preoperative radiotherapy ? chemotherapy became the standard treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer. Despite better local control with this approach, there was not seen a significant improvement in overall survival and disease free survival, yet. The main disadvantage is toxicity that can be developed, especially concomitantly with chemotherapy. Toxicity can be acute and late. Acute complications are transitory, but late might lead to permanent damage and consequently are more significant for patients. Today, there are technical opportunities in reduction of acute and late radiation toxicity in the treatment of rectal cancer. With the implementation of 3D conformal radiotherapy (3D CRT) and intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) techniques in clinical practice significant accuracy, better dose distribution and safety in the treatment of rectal cancer patients is achieved, with maximal sparing of surrounding normal tissue. Utilization of advanced techniques and new software solutions can keep adverse effects on satisfactory levels with excellent local control.