Effectiveness of local radiotherapy in colorectal carcinoma.

The records of 144 patients with colorectal carcinoma treated with radiotherapy were reviewed. Ninety-two patients received treatment for palliative purposes only (bleeding, pain, mucus discharge, tenesmus, mass). Good palliation was achieved in the majority of patients with a dose on the range of 1200 to 1400 rets. Thirty-seven patients received radical doses of radiation for recurrent or inoperable cancer. Five out of 37 (14%) are alive without evidence of disease, 24 to 84 months following radiotherapy. Fifteen patients received pre- or postoperative radiotherapy as an adjuvant to surgery. Six out of the 15 (40%) are alive without evidence of disease.