Clinical and morphological effects of preoperative radiotherapy with large dose fractions for rectal cancer

The aim of the study was to analyze some clinical and morphological effects of preoperative radiation therapy with large dose fractions for resectable rectal cancer. 55 patients received radiotherapy in the preoperative period using Teratron irradiator and Varian Unique low-energy linear accelerator. Tumor tissue obtained during the surgery was studied. We analyzed the rate of postoperative complications of tumor recurrence. The results showed that preoperative radiotherapy contributed to the reduction of tumor extension from 6.8±0.6 cm to 4.5±0.5 cm (p0.1). Decreased malignant potential of tumor due to the radiotherapy was accompanied by decreased rate of local recurrences by 8.7%. Preoperative radiation therapy with large dose fractions is a safe and effective method in combined treatment for rectal cancer.