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The Impact of Novel Radiation Treatment Techniques on Toxicity and Clinical Outcomes in Rectal Cancer

  • Radiation Therapy and Radiation Therapy Innovations in Colorectal Cancer (JY Wo, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Colorectal Cancer Reports

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3DCRT) has been the standard technique in the treatment of rectal cancer. The use of new radiation treatment technologies such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), proton therapy (PT), stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), and brachytherapy (BT) has been increasing over the past 10 years. This review will highlight the advantages and drawbacks of these techniques.

Recent Findings

IMRT, PT, SBRT, and BT achieve a higher target coverage conformity and a higher organ at risk sparing and enable dose escalation compared to 3DCRT. Some studies suggest a reduction in gastrointestinal and hematologic toxicities and an increase in the complete pathologic response rate; however, the clinical benefit of these techniques remains controversial.

Summary

The results of these new techniques seem encouraging despite conclusive data. Further trials are required to establish their role in rectal cancer.

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the following grants: NIH R01 CA198128 (TW). The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.

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Correspondence to Salma K. Jabbour.

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Lara Hathout and Salma K. Jabbour declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Radiation Therapy and Radiation Therapy Innovations in Colorectal Cancer

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Hathout, L., Williams, T. & Jabbour, S.K. The Impact of Novel Radiation Treatment Techniques on Toxicity and Clinical Outcomes in Rectal Cancer. Curr Colorectal Cancer Rep 13, 61–72 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11888-017-0351-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11888-017-0351-z

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