Cons of neoadjuvant radiotherapy for non-fixed rectal cancer Journal Article


Authors: Akbari, R. P.; Wong, W. D.
Article Title: Cons of neoadjuvant radiotherapy for non-fixed rectal cancer
Abstract: Neoadujuvant chemoradiation is accepted practice for treatment of fixed (T4) rectal cancer. The use of preoperative radiation (plus or minus chemotherapy) for non-fixed rectal cancer is still somewhat controversial. Although the use of preoperative radiation in the setting of non-fixed rectal cancer is becoming more prevalent, the selective use of postoperative chemoradiation based on pathologic stage is still in common practice. Secondary to the imperfect accuracy of preoperative staging, the morbidity associated with overtreatment is still a significant concern when using neoadjuvant radiotherapy. With the current surgical standard of radical extirpation with total mesorectal excision, the addition of preoperative (or postoperative) radiation is not justified in patients with Stage I, early Stage II (superfical T3N0), or Stage IV disease. When preoperative radiation is used, access to state-of-the-art imaging studies and the use of an experienced ultrasonographer are critical to minimize over- and understaging. When these are not readily available or the clinical stage of an apparent locally-advanced tumor is equivocal, a strong argument can be made for the selective use of postoperative chemoradiation.
Keywords: surgical technique; review; advanced cancer; patient selection; risk benefit analysis; treatment planning; cancer adjuvant therapy; cancer radiotherapy; cancer staging; preoperative evaluation; medical decision making; preoperative period; intermethod comparison; safety; rectum cancer; rectum surgery; rectal cancer; cons; human; neoadjuvant radiation; non-fixed; overtreatment
Journal Title: Clinics in Colon and Rectal Surgery
Volume: 16
Issue: 4
ISSN: 1531-0043
Publisher: Thieme Publishing  
Date Published: 2003-01-01
Start Page: 249
End Page: 253
Language: English
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-815616
PROVIDER: scopus
DOI/URL:
Notes: Export Date: 25 September 2014 -- Source: Scopus
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  1. Robert Patrick Akbari
    4 Akbari
  2. Douglas W Wong
    178 Wong