Value of intraoperative radiotherapy in locally advanced rectal cancer

PURPOSE: This study was designed to analyze the results of a multimodality treatment using preoperative radiotherapy, followed by surgery and intraoperative radiotherapy in patients with primary locally advanced rectal cancer. METHODS: Between 1987 and 2002, 123 patients with initial unresectable and locally advanced rectal cancer were identified in our prospective database, containing patient characteristics, radiotherapy plans, operation notes, histopathologic reports, and follow-up details. An evaluation of prognostic factors for local recurrence, distant metastases, and overall survival was performed. RESULTS: All patients were treated preoperatively with a median dose of 50 Gy radiotherapy. Surgery was performed six to ten weeks after radiotherapy. Twenty-seven patients were treated with intraoperative radiotherapy because margins were incomplete or