Skip to main content
Journal cover image

Advanced radiation therapy technologies in the treatment of rectal and anal cancer: intensity-modulated photon therapy and proton therapy.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Meyer, J; Czito, B; Yin, F-F; Willett, C
Published in: Clin Colorectal Cancer
January 2007

Intensity-modulated photon radiation therapy (RT; IMRT) and proton therapy are advanced radiation technologies that permit improved conformation of radiation dose to target structures while limiting irradiation of surrounding normal tissues. Application of these technologies in the treatment of rectal and anal cancer is attractive, based on the potential reduction in radiation treatment toxicities that are frequently incurred in the pelvis and perineum. Furthermore, conformal RT might also allow for dose escalation to target areas, leading to improved tumor control. This review discusses the underlying principles of IMRT. In addition, the rationale and clinical data regarding the efficacy of radiation dose escalation for rectal and anal cancer will be highlighted, as well as tolerance of pelvic organs to RT and chemotherapy. Finally, preliminary results of IMRT in the treatment of lower gastrointestinal tract cancers will be reviewed. The potential and rationale for proton therapy in treatment of these malignancies are also discussed.

Duke Scholars

Published In

Clin Colorectal Cancer

DOI

ISSN

1533-0028

Publication Date

January 2007

Volume

6

Issue

5

Start / End Page

348 / 356

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Urinary Bladder
  • Rectal Neoplasms
  • Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated
  • Oncology & Carcinogenesis
  • Intestine, Small
  • Humans
  • Femur
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation
  • Anus Neoplasms
  • 3211 Oncology and carcinogenesis
 

Citation

APA
Chicago
ICMJE
MLA
NLM
Meyer, J., Czito, B., Yin, F.-F., & Willett, C. (2007). Advanced radiation therapy technologies in the treatment of rectal and anal cancer: intensity-modulated photon therapy and proton therapy. Clin Colorectal Cancer, 6(5), 348–356. https://doi.org/10.3816/CCC.2007.n.003
Meyer, Jeffrey, Brian Czito, Fang-Fang Yin, and Chirstopher Willett. “Advanced radiation therapy technologies in the treatment of rectal and anal cancer: intensity-modulated photon therapy and proton therapy.Clin Colorectal Cancer 6, no. 5 (January 2007): 348–56. https://doi.org/10.3816/CCC.2007.n.003.
Meyer, Jeffrey, et al. “Advanced radiation therapy technologies in the treatment of rectal and anal cancer: intensity-modulated photon therapy and proton therapy.Clin Colorectal Cancer, vol. 6, no. 5, Jan. 2007, pp. 348–56. Pubmed, doi:10.3816/CCC.2007.n.003.
Journal cover image

Published In

Clin Colorectal Cancer

DOI

ISSN

1533-0028

Publication Date

January 2007

Volume

6

Issue

5

Start / End Page

348 / 356

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Urinary Bladder
  • Rectal Neoplasms
  • Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated
  • Oncology & Carcinogenesis
  • Intestine, Small
  • Humans
  • Femur
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation
  • Anus Neoplasms
  • 3211 Oncology and carcinogenesis