AN EVALUATION OF THE EFFICACY OF POSTOPERATIVE IRRADIATION IN RECTAL ADENOCARCINOMA

Cancer of the colon and rectum is the second most common form of cance r in the United States. Although surgery is the primary treatment for rectal cancer, the overall 5-year survival approximates 50%. Pelvic fa ilure rates and their associated morbidity have led to the use of post operative irradiation, either alone or combined with chemotherapy. We reviewed 77 consecutive patients treated with postoperative irradiatio n to the pelvis following curative surgery. The prognosis is dependent on surgical stage and histologic grade. The minimal decrease in local recurrence in this study is offset by treatment-related small bowel i njury. A subset of patients who may benefit from adjuvant treatment is vet to be defined.