Radiotherapy for pelvic recurrence of carcinoma of the rectum and sigmoid

Fourteen patients with pelvic recurrence of rectal carcinoma and sigmoid were treated principally for pain relief using external beam radiotherapy. 10 MV X-ray treatment was applied to the pelvic region with varying dose levels (30-54 Gy); as a boost, electron beam or 60Co irradiation was delivered to perineal region for 7 patients. All patients had a good or moderate symptomatic response to radiotherapy; the 2-year survival was 33.9% and, for 9 patients without distant metastases, it was 57.6%; no severe radiation injuries occurred. From our study, it was concluded that radiotherapy should be considered for most patients with symptomatic local recurrence. (author)