Once-daily reirradiation for rectal cancer in patients who have received previous pelvic radiotherapy

Abstract

Introduction The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy and toxicity using once-daily reirradiation for patients with rectal cancer having received previous pelvic radiotherapy. Method Between June 1997 and June 2008, 56 patients were identified having received previous pelvic radiotherapy and received reirradiation for rectal cancer. Reirradiation intent was palliative in 43 patients, and preoperative/postoperative in 13 patients. Eighty per cent of patients received concurrent chemotherapy (n = 45). Results The median dose-fractionation reirradiation schedule was 39.6 Gy in 22 fractions once daily (range 20-39.6 Gy), and the median cumulative radiation dose was 87.3 Gy. Seven pati..