[A comparative study in rectal adenocarcinoma: preoperative or postoperative radiotherapy].
OBJECTIVE
To compare the results of preoperative and postoperative radiotherapy in rectal adenocarcinoma, in terms of overall survival and disease-free survival.


METHODS
From 1989 to 1993, 52 patients with clinically operable rectal cancer were retrospectively analyzed. Two groups were compared: Patients in Group I received postoperative radiotherapy and those in Group II preoperative radiotherapy. Patients with a Karfnosky index > 70%, no evidence of distant disease and no major systemic problems were included in this study.


RESULTS
The overall 5-year actuarial survival was 75% in Group I and 83% in Group II. The 5-year disease-free survival was 52% in Group I compared to 86% in Group II, a statistically significant difference (p = 0.025). A reduction in all Dukes' stages was observed in the preoperative radiation group, allowing preservation of the anorectal function in an increased number of patients.


CONCLUSIONS
We observed better results with preoperative radiotherapy and conclude that this treatment might be justified in rectal carcinoma.
Martín de Vidales
C
C
Servicio de Radioterapia y Oncología, Hospital de la Princesa, Madrid.
Cerezo
L
L
Vázquez de la Torre
M L
ML
Zapatero
A
A
Del Cerro
E
E
Pinar
B
B
Domínguez
P
P
Pérez Torrubia
A
A
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000150:complications / Q000401:mortality / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000601:surgery; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000453:epidemiology; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000009:adverse effects; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000009:adverse effects; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D018714:Radiotherapy, Adjuvant / Q000009:adverse effects; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000401:mortality / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000601:surgery
Estudio comparativo en el adenocarcinoma de recto: radioterapia preoperatoria o postoperatoria.