Aim: This communication reviews results and toxicity of image-guided high-dose-rate endorectal brachytherapy (HDREBT) boost after external beam radiotherapy (ERT) in medically inoperable patients with rectal cancer.
Materials and methods: A total of 18 patients with rectal cancer and clinical stage T2-4N0‑2 treated with HDREBT boost after ERT were retrospectively reviewed.
Results: Following treatment with a median total dose (EQD2, α/β = 10) of 66 Gy (range 48-92 Gy), the incidence of early and late rectal grade 3 toxicity was 11% and 19%, respectively. There was no correlation between the occurrence of acute and late toxicity.
Conclusion: With proper technique, a combined approach using EBRT and HDREBT was associated with acceptable toxicity in medically inoperable rectal cancer patients.
Keywords: High dose rate endorectal brachytherapy; Medically inoperable; Rectal brachytherapy; Rectal cancer; Toxicity.