Rising KashmirRising KashmirRising Kashmir
  • Home
  • Top Stories
  • News
    • Kashmir
    • City
    • Jammu
    • Politics
  • Health
  • Anchor
  • Features
  • Interview
  • Video
Search

Archives

  • May 2025
  • April 2025
  • March 2025
  • February 2025
  • January 2025
  • December 2024
  • November 2024
  • October 2024
  • September 2024
  • August 2024
  • July 2024
  • June 2024
  • May 2024
  • April 2024
  • March 2024
  • February 2024
  • January 2024
  • December 2023
  • November 2023
  • October 2023
  • September 2023
  • August 2023
  • July 2023
  • June 2023
  • May 2023
  • April 2023
  • March 2023
  • February 2023
  • January 2023
  • December 2022
  • November 2022
  • October 2022
  • September 2022
  • August 2022
  • July 2022
  • June 2022
  • May 2022

Categories

  • Anchor
  • Breaking
  • Business
  • City
  • Developing Story
  • Editorial
  • Education
  • Features
  • Health
  • Interview
  • Jammu
  • Jammu and Kashmir News
  • Kashmir
  • Kashmir Tourism
  • Kath Bath
  • National
  • Opinion
  • Politics
  • Sports
  • Technology
  • Top Stories
  • Trending
  • Uncategorized
  • Video
  • Viewpoint
  • World
© 2022 Foxiz News Network. Ruby Design Company. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: Role of radiation therapy in the management of rectal cancer
Share
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Rising KashmirRising Kashmir
Font ResizerAa
  • Home
  • Top Stories
  • News
  • Health
  • Anchor
  • Features
  • Interview
  • Video
Search
  • Home
  • Top Stories
  • News
    • Kashmir
    • City
    • Jammu
    • Politics
  • Health
  • Anchor
  • Features
  • Interview
  • Video
Follow US
© 2024. All Rights Reserved.
Rising Kashmir > Blog > Opinion > Role of radiation therapy in the management of rectal cancer
Opinion

Role of radiation therapy in the management of rectal cancer

RK News
Last updated: May 29, 2023 10:29 pm
RK News
Published: May 29, 2023
Share
5 Min Read
SHARE

Dr.  VIVIDHA DUBEY

 

Rectal cancer is a significant health concern worldwide, accounting for a substantial portion of colorectal cancer cases. Over the years, the treatment landscape for rectal cancer has witnessed significant advancements, with radiation therapy playing a crucial role in improving outcomes. Here is the evolving role of radiation therapy in managing rectal cancer, highlighting the latest developments and their impact on patient care.

 

Neoadjuvant Radiation Therapy

Neoadjuvant radiation therapy, delivered before surgery, has become a standard approach in managing locally advanced rectal cancer. By using radiation therapy to shrink tumors, this strategy aims to improve surgical outcomes and increase the likelihood of achieving complete tumor removal. Neoadjuvant radiation therapy, often combined with chemotherapy (chemoradiotherapy), has been shown to reduce tumor size, increase the chances of sphincter preservation, and improve overall survival rates. This approach allows for a potentially less invasive surgical procedure and better patient functional outcomes.

 

Total Neoadjuvant Therapy (TNT)

Total neoadjuvant therapy, also known as the “watch-and-wait” approach, is an emerging concept in managing select patients with rectal cancer. This approach involves delivering neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by close monitoring of the tumor response. Surgery may be deferred for patients who demonstrate a complete clinical response, sparing them from the potential morbidity associated with surgery. TNT has gained attention due to its potential to reduce overtreatment and improve the quality of life for patients who may not require immediate surgery. However, careful patient selection and long-term follow-up are essential in this approach.

 

Advances in Radiation Techniques

Radiation therapy techniques have advanced significantly, allowing for more precise tumour targeting while minimizing radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissues. Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) are commonly used in rectal cancer treatment. These approaches enable radiation oncologists to shape the radiation beams to conform closely to the tumor, delivering higher doses while reducing toxicity to nearby critical structures. Moreover, image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) and daily cone-beam CT imaging help ensure accurate tumor targeting, further enhancing treatment precision.

 

Short-course Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy for rectal cancer traditionally involves a prolonged treatment course of 5-6 weeks. It has been explored that the feasibility of short-course radiation therapy, typically delivered over one week. This approach has shown comparable oncological outcomes to the standard long-course regimen, with the advantage of reduced treatment time. Short-course radiation therapy is particularly beneficial for patients who may face challenges accessing treatment centres or require expedited treatment due to medical or logistical reasons.

 

 

 

 

Advances in Imaging and Response Assessment

The integration of advanced imaging techniques, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET), has significantly improved the accuracy of rectal cancer staging and response assessment to treatment. Functional imaging modalities, such as diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI, provide valuable information about tumor characteristics and response to therapy. These advancements enable clinicians to tailor treatment plans, monitor response during neoadjuvant therapy, and make more informed decisions regarding surgical intervention or further treatment intensification.

 

The evolving role of radiation therapy in managing rectal cancer has transformed the treatment landscape, offering new possibilities for improved outcomes and quality of life. Integrating these advancements into multidisciplinary care ensures personalized treatment plans and better patient selection. Moving forward, ongoing research and clinical trials will further refine our understanding of optimal radiation therapy techniques, treatment durations, and sequencing in the context of rectal cancer. Additionally, efforts should focus on long-term follow-up to assess the impact of these advancements on survival rates, local control, and quality of life.

 

By embracing these advances and leveraging the multidisciplinary approach, we can continue to improve the outcomes and overall well-being of patients battling rectal cancer. Through ongoing collaboration, research, and innovation, we can hope for a future where rectal cancer becomes a more manageable disease, ultimately leading to better prognosis and enhanced quality of life for patients worldwide.

 

 

(The Author is MD Radiation Oncology, Consultant – Radiation Oncology, HCG Hospitals, Bhavnagar)

 

Towards a Brighter Tomorrow: India’s G20 Presidency and the Dawn of a New Multilateralism
Women Empowerment: Unravelling few Islamic Perspectives
The Game Changing visit of Home Minister Amit Shah
Narendra Modi Leads India’s Research Growth
A Peep into Trump’s likely Foreign Policy

Sign Up For Daily Newsletter

Be keep up! Get the latest breaking news delivered straight to your inbox.
By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Share This Article
Facebook Whatsapp Whatsapp Copy Link Print
Previous Article Retired Doctor, his brother among 4 killed, one injured in Doda accident
Next Article Dealing with Social Negativity
Leave a Comment Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Stay Connected

1MFollowersLike
262kFollowersFollow
InstagramFollow
234kSubscribersSubscribe
Google NewsFollow

Latest News

Two drug peddler arrested in Budgam
Breaking
May 27, 2025
Air India extends suspension of Tel Aviv flights till June 19
Breaking National
May 27, 2025
“Terrorist activities are deliberate war strategy, if they are engaging in war, response will be appropriate”: PM Modi slams Pakistan
Breaking National
May 27, 2025
Heavy downpour brings relief from heatwave in Kashmir; hailstorms wreak havoc
Breaking
May 27, 2025

Recent Posts

  • Two drug peddler arrested in Budgam
  • Air India extends suspension of Tel Aviv flights till June 19
  • “Terrorist activities are deliberate war strategy, if they are engaging in war, response will be appropriate”: PM Modi slams Pakistan
  • Heavy downpour brings relief from heatwave in Kashmir; hailstorms wreak havoc
  • Yamaha’s “Total Warranty”: Is It Worth the Hype in India?

Recent Comments

  1. SavePlus on AI and Behavioural Analytics in Gaming: Making the World of Gaming Better
  2. Parul on Govt acknowledges faulty streetlights on Narbal-Tangmarg road
  3. dr gora on Women Veterinarians and the Goal of Viksit Bharat
  4. jalwa game login on National Education Policy 2020: Transforming India’s Educational System
  5. Virender Bhat on Pahalgam Attack: A War on Humanity, Peace, and Kashmiriyat

Contact Us

Flat No 7,Press Enclave, Srinagar, 190001
0194 2477887
9971795706
[email protected]
[email protected]

Quick Link

  • E-Paper
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Top Categories

Stay Connected

1.06MLike
262.5kFollow
InstagramFollow
234.3kSubscribe
WhatsAppFollow
Rising KashmirRising Kashmir
Follow US
© 2025. All Rights Reserved.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?