Palliative Radiotherapy for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): Bae Sun Hyun, Park Won, Choi Doo Ho, Nam Heerim, Kang Won Ki, Park Young Suk, Park Joon Oh, Chun Ho Kyung, Lee Woo Yong, Yun Seong Hyeon, Kim Hee Cheol
Primary Institution: Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
Hypothesis
To evaluate the palliative role of radiotherapy and the effectiveness of chemotherapy combined with palliative radiotherapy in patients with a symptomatic pelvic mass of metastatic colorectal cancer.
Conclusion
Radiotherapy was effective in relieving symptoms for patients with a symptomatic pelvic mass of metastatic colorectal cancer, especially with a biologically equivalent dose of 40 Gy10 or higher.
Supporting Evidence
- Symptom palliation was achieved in 80% of cases.
- The median symptom control duration was five months.
- Median survival after radiotherapy was six months.
- Higher biologically equivalent dose (BED) was associated with improved symptom control.
- Concurrent chemotherapy was a marginally significant factor for symptom control.
Takeaway
Doctors used radiation to help patients with cancer in their pelvis feel better, and it worked for many of them.
Methodology
Retrospective review of 80 patients treated with palliative radiotherapy from August 1995 to December 2007.
Potential Biases
Selection biases may have affected the results.
Limitations
The study was retrospective, had a heterogeneous patient group, and a small sample size.
Participant Demographics
Median age was 57 years, with 54% males and 46% females.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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