Inoperable and recurrent carcinoma of the rectum and rectosigmoid. Aspects of radiation treatment and prognosis.

35 patients treated with radiotherapy for recurrent (23) or primarily inoperable (12) rectal or rectosigmoid carcinoma are presented. The radiation treatment was delivered in 28 cases with megavoltage equipment, in two cases with a conventional X-ray unit and in seven cases with intracavitary radium or cathetron applications. 17 of the patients (49%) lived for more than one year. Six patients from the recurrent cases lived (26%) for more than two years, and four patients (17%) survived three years. Relief of symptoms was observed in at least 20 cases. The importance of early diagnosis of recurrent tumor is stressed especially in the follow-up of Dukes' A and B groups.