[Value of radiotherapy in the interdisciplinary therapeutic treatment concept of rectal cancer].

Postoperative radiotherapy reduces the local recurrence rate of rectal carcinoma. However, the recurrence free interval and survival time are not influenced. Postoperative radio- and chemotherapy reduce the local recurrence rate as well and prolongs the recurrence free interval. The survival rate is not significantly improved. Combined pre- and postoperative radiotherapy are presently being evaluated in prospective randomised trials. The actual results demonstrate a reduced local recurrence rate, a prolongation of the recurrence free interval and an improved survival time. Because of the relatively small numbers of patients in the different treatment groups a final evaluation is not yet possible.