Preoperative intensity-modulated and image-guided radiotherapy with a simultaneous integrated boost in locally advanced rectal cancer: Report on late toxicity and outcome

Which benefits and harms of preoperative radiotherapy should be addressed? A Delphi consensus study among rectal cancer patients and radiation oncologists

“…The method we used thus seems feasible for creating core lists for other treatments and other cancer types. As can be seen from a number of recent publications, the interest in the sequelae of rectal cancer treatment, and other cancer treatments as well, is rising [21,22]. Our study is thus timely in showing a feasible method to determine which such sequelae should be communicated with patients during the consultation.…”

Technological advances in radiotherapy of rectal cancer: opportunities and challenges

“…A recently published prospective Belgium study (21,27) patients evaluated for late toxicity, only one reported grade 3 non-haematological toxicity, likely related to the oxaliplatin rather than the radiotherapy. Grade 2 late non-hematologic toxicity was somewhat higher at 31%.…”

What is most relevant in preoperative rectal cancer chemoradiotherapy – the chemotherapy, the radiation dose or the timing to surgery?

“…This may many consider natural, as further development in oncology lies in new drugs and particularly in those with a specific target on the tumor cells or the tumor micro-environment. However, the radiotherapy has developed considerably during the past decades, and the radiation dose can today be better conformed to the tumor cell containing volumes with possibilities for increased doses without increased normal tissue complications than in the past [20,21]. The study by Hall et al in this issue of Acta Oncologica [22] is then of great interest.…”