[Immediate results of accelerated dosage fractionation in the radiation therapy of inoperable rectal cancer].

A comparative study of radiation therapy results was conducted in 207 patients with inoperable primary and recurring rectal cancer. Patients of the 1st group (113) were irradiated by a method of accelerated fractionation (2 times daily with a 4 h-interval at a dose of 2.5 Gy per fraction for 3 days weekly). The 2nd group of 94 patients was treated by small fractions (2-2.5 Gy once a day for 5 days weekly). The mean summary focal doses in primary tumors in the 1st and 2nd groups were 53.5 and 70.1 Gy, respectively, in recurrences--51.9 and 66.5 Gy. This method is time saving (the period of treatment was reduced by 21 days). Besides, a significant improvement of short-term results and general tolerance of irradiation with a tendency to an increase in 1-3-year survival rates of the treated patients were noted.