Irradiation of cancer of the rectum and rectosigmoid

Conclusion Many cancers of the rectum or rectosigmoid may be palliated by irradiation. Relief of pain and tenesmus, decrease in bleeding and discharge, shrinkage of tumor and avoidance or postponement of colostomy can often be achieved. Generally, relief of symptoms parallels the regression of the tumor. Usually palliation is measured in terms of months. Certain patients with advanced carcinoma of this region can benefit by judicious irradiation prior to an extended surgical procedure. This should be performed more frequently than previously and probably it would lead to a greater salvage of patients. Possibly results of irradiation could be enhanced in some patients by combined treatment with “antitumor” drugs. There is good reason to initiate a planned investigation of this combined type of therapy.