Carbon ion radiotherapy for locally recurrent rectal cancer in patients with prior pelvic irradiation

The purpose of this study was to assess carbon ion radiation therapy performed as re-irradiation in patients with locally recurrent rectal cancer. Twenty-three patients were treated with carbon ion radiotherapy (RT) as re-irradiation for locally recurrent rectal cancer. The total dose ranged of 70.4 gray equivalent (GyE) and was administered in 16 fixed fractions over 4 weeks. Grade 3 toxicities occurred in 6 (26%) patients. The major late toxicities were peripheral neuropathy and infection. The one-year and three-year overall survival rates were 83% and 72%, respectively. Carbon ion radiotherapy as reirradiation appears to be a safe and effective modality in the management of locally recurrent rectal cancer, providing good local control and offering a survival advantage without unacceptable morbidity. (author)