Klin Onkol 2011; 24(2): 94-100. DOI: 10.14735/amko201194.
Summary
Backgrounds: Rectal cancer treatment has noticed several important changes in last years. TME, new radiotherapy techniques and new systemic agents have been introduced. Preoperative staging has improved. Nevertheless the neoadjuvant treatment approach is not unified all over the world. Material and Methods: Using the following American and European guidelines we found primary citations and compared their results. Conclusion: Currently, there are substantial differences in neoadjuvant dose of radiotherapy between European and American guidelines. Short neoadjuvant course of radiotherapy seems to be appropriate in patients with smaller primary operable rectal cancer. This approach is safe if chosen, not oppressing stage III patients by protracted oncological treatment including chemotherapy.
