title: [Rectal cancer: which patients benefit from radiotherapy?].
abstract: The prognosis of patients with rectal cancer has improved in recent years, particularly as regards the lower probability of local recurrence. These positive results are obtained through correct preoperative staging and an adequate surgical resection of the affected lesion, as well as a multidisciplinary therapeutic approach. Based on the available scientific evidence, our aim is to clarify the framework in which options for the right therapy can be taken, especially in relation to the preoperative staging and its limitations, with regards to radiotherapy and its indications. We also emphasize the need of a tailor-made approach for each case.
authors.affiliation: Unidad de Coloproctología, Servicio de Cirugía General, Hospital General de Segovia, Segovia, Spain. guillermoais@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Guillermo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ais Conde
authors.forename: Begoña
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Fadrique Fernández
authors.forename: Pablo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Vázquez Santos
authors.forename: Juan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: López Pérez
authors.forename: Miguel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Picatoste Merino
authors.forename: Javier
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Manzanares Sacristán
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D020360:Neoadjuvant Therapy; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000517:prevention & control; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011300:Preoperative Care; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000601:surgery