Adjuvant postoperative radiotherapy for colon carcinoma.
BACKGROUND
The objective of this report was to review the role of adjuvant postoperative radiotherapy (RT) for patients with adenocarcinoma of the colon.


METHODS
The authors reviewed the pertinent literature.


RESULTS
Data suggested that locoregional postoperative RT improves both local control and survival for patients with T4N0-N1 tumors. There also may be a benefit for patients with T3N1-N2 tumors, but the data were equivocal. Whole abdominal RT may result in a similar benefit but is associated with increased toxicity.


CONCLUSIONS
Postoperative RT should be considered for patients with T4N0-N1 colon carcinoma. Locoregional fields should be used.
Mendenhall
William M
WM
Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville 32610, USA. mendewil@shands.ufl.edu
Amos
E Henry
EH
Rout
W Robert
WR
Zlotecki
Robert A
RA
Hochwald
Steven N
SN
Cance
William G
WG
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000601:surgery; D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000601:surgery; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D006801:Humans; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D011184:Postoperative Period; D018714:Radiotherapy, Adjuvant; D016896:Treatment Outcome