Preoperative radiation therapy with sensitizers in the management of carcinoma of the rectum.

There is enough evidence to show that adjuvant radiation therapy contributes to the management of patients with carcinoma of the rectum. In an effort to improve resectability and possibly survival rates, the use of chemosensitizers, combined with moderate doses of radiation used presurgically, was introduced for carcinomas larger than 5 cm in diameter requiring abdominoperineal resection. Based on our experience and that of others, it is believed that the method of administration of 5FU and mitomycin-C is an important factor in obtaining an increased therapeutic ratio. Because of the locoregional pattern of spread of rectal cancer, this adjuvant approach would appear suitable. A series of approximately 60 patients is discussed and the surgical findings and five-year survival is reported.