Radioterapia en el cáncer de recto. Estado actual

The use of radiotherapy as part of the treatment of malignant neoplasms of the rectum is becoming more and more widespread. In locally advanced primary cancer of the rectum, several studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of radiotherapy, with a reduction of local recurrence and an increase in diseasefree survival, whether administered preoperatively or postoperatively. The advantages and disadvantages of the 2 modes of administration and of distinct doses have also been described. When used in unresectable rectal neoplasms, radiotherapy has sometimes allowed a reevaluation of surgical treatment, thus changing the prognosis of these patients. The aim of this article was to review the main studies published on radiotherapy in rectal cancer and its distinct modalities and doses in order to define the most appropriate treatment for these patients according to current evidence.