Preface

The past decade has witnessed an explosion in radiation treatment planning and delivery capabilities. Combined with advancements in genetic tumor profiling, systemic disease control, volumetric definition of normal tissue toxicity profiles, and patient survivorship, these new technical capabilities have revolutionized the practice of radiation oncology in the treatment of colorectal cancer. Innovative concepts of re-irradiation, stereotactic ablative radiation therapy (SABR) to pelvic recurrences and oligometastatic disease sites, and de-intensification strategies to improve quality-of-life metrics have replaced the dogma of traditional radiation fields and oncologic approaches. Gone are the days when all previously irradiated patients had no further local radiation options for therapy; today 2-year local control rates approach 70% for selected patients undergoing SABR with locally recurrent rectal cancer in a previously irradiated pelvic field. Dispelled is the notion that radiation does not work for tumors in the liver; today 2-year local control rates are in excess of 90% for metastatic liver tumors
Source: Seminars in Colon and Rectal Surgery - Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Tags: Innovative Radiotherapy Options for the Patient with Colon and Rectal Cancer Source Type: research