title: Developments in treatment of primary irresectable rectal cancer.
abstract: Abstract The treatment options for primary irresectable rectal cancers are discussed. Assessment of tumour stage is the first step for an appropriate choice of treatment. Following a diagnosis of rectal cancer, a vast array of diagnostic procedures is available to determine its stage, and thereby its best treatment options. From the many (new) diagnostic options the merits and drawbacks are discussed. If a diagnosis of irresectability is made, further treatment options should include radiotherapy in most cases, some aspects of timing and application, i.e. intra-operative treatment are discussed. Chemotherapy options are manifold, the results are discussed and some new options are explored.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Groningen, 9700 RB Groningen, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Reerink
authors.forename: N H
authors.initials: NH
authors.lastname: Mulder
authors.forename: B G
authors.initials: BG
authors.lastname: Szabo
authors.forename: W J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Sluiter
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Wiggers
authors.forename: A H H
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Bongaerts
authors.forename: G A P
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Hospers
mesh_terms: D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D019160:Endosonography / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods; D007813:Laparotomy / Q000379:methods; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D009367:Neoplasm Staging / Q000379:methods* / Q000401:mortality; D010173:Palpation / Q000379:methods; D019990:Perioperative Care; D010808:Physical Examination; D049268:Positron-Emission Tomography / Q000379:methods; D011379:Prognosis; D018714:Radiotherapy, Adjuvant; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D016019:Survival Analysis